High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer worldwide. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can potentially be treated fully with minimal morbidity when detected early; however, certain subtypes of cSCC have been shown to confer a poorer prognosis for patients. In these high-risk tumors, increased incidence of recurrence, as well as metastasis to local lymph nodes and distant sites, is seen as a result of certain patient characteristics and pathological features. While guidelines regarding the management of high-risk cSCC have been produced, no clear consensus management or prognostic algorithms exist. In this review, we discuss current definitions of high-risk cSCC, recommendations regarding the management of cSCC, and current guidelines.