Suboptimal Outcomes in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck with Nodal Metastases

Background/Aim: There are limited data regarding survival, failure patterns, and factors associated with disease recurrence in patients with cutaneous squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (cSCC-HN) with nodal metastases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with cSCC-HN metastatic to cervical and/or parotid lymph nodes treated with surgery and post-operative radiation therapy was performed. Results: This study included 76 patients (57 immunocompetent and 18 immunosuppressed) with a median follow-up of 18 months. Overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and disease recurrence (DR) at 2 years was 60%, 49%, and 40%, respectively. Immunosuppressed patients had significantly lower 2-year DFS (28% vs. 55%; p=0.003) and higher DR (61% vs. 34%; p=0.04) compared to immunocompetent patients. Analysis of immunocompetent patients demonstrated extracapsular extension (ECE) as the only factor associated with DR (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with nodal metastases from cSCC-HN have suboptimal outcomes. ECE and immunosuppression were significantly associated with DR.

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