Veteran actor Tom Alter diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma – Know what it is

New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood and television actor Tom Alter has been reportedly diagnosed with cancer.

Tom's family members confirmed the news that the 67-year-old actor, of American descent, was battling squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer, as per a report published in Times of India.

Tom has been admitted to Mumbai's Saifee hospital and is currently under treatment.

It is being said that Tom has had a relapse of a squamous cell carcinoma.

Know what the condition is:

• Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layer of the skin.
• Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps.
• Avoiding UV light helps reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.
• The condition is usually not life-threatening, albeit is can become aggressive in some cases.
• If it is left untreated, it can extensively spread to other parts of the body which can lead to serious complications.

We wish Tom a swift recovery.