covered in scales.

adjective, Latin squama = a scale (as of fish or reptile), hence scale-like.

flat, tile-like cells.

Of or pertaining to the squamosal bone; squamosal.

Flattened.

a square-shaped cell.

cell carcinoma—a skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of the skin. It is one of the forms of skin cancer closely associated with aging and years of sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma is capable of spreading to other organs and should be treated as soon as it is detected.