Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common malignancy
occurring in white patients in the United States and incidence rates are increasing. While
the majority of the 87,000-760,000 cases that occur yearly in the U.S. are curable, 4%
develop lymph node metastases and 1.5% die from the disease. Given the frequency of
occurrence of CSCC, it is estimated to cause as many deaths yearly as melanoma, with the
majority occurring in patients with high risk tumors or in those at high risk for metastasis
due to a variety of host factors, most commonly systemic immunosuppression. There are
currently no standardized prognostic or treatment models to assist clinicians in most
effectively identifying and managing these patients. Identification of patients at risk for poor
outcomes as well as standardization regarding classification, staging, and treatment of
high-risk tumors is critical for optimizing patient care. In this article, available literature on
the classification and management of high risk CSCC is briefly summarized, emphasizing
new information.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:26-34 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common malignancy
occurring in white patients in the United States and incidence rates are increasing. While
the majority of the 87,000-760,000 cases that occur yearly in the U.S. are curable, 4%
develop lymph node metastases and 1.5% die from the disease. Given the frequency of
occurrence of CSCC, it is estimated to cause as many deaths yearly as melanoma, with the
majority occurring in patients with high risk tumors or in those at high risk for metastasis
due to a variety of host factors, most commonly systemic immunosuppression. There are
currently no standardized prognostic or treatment models to assist clinicians in most
effectively identifying and managing these patients. Identification of patients at risk for poor
outcomes as well as standardization regarding classification, staging, and treatment of
high-risk tumors is critical for optimizing patient care. In this article, available literature on
the classification and management of high risk CSCC is briefly summarized, emphasizing
new information.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:26-34 © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.