Outcomes of nodal metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated in a regional center. Issue 12 (27th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmidt, Campbell; Martin, Jarad M.; Khoo, Eric; Plank, Ashley; Grigg, Roger
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 37:Issue 12(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1808
• Page End: 1815
• Publication Date: 2015-01-27
• Subjects: carcinoma -- squamous cell -- head and neck neoplasms -- lymphatic metastasis -- survival analysis -- rural health services; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Given its metastatic potential and high incidence, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has significant morbidity and mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 113 consecutive patients with nodal metastatic cutaneous SCCHN treated surgically with curative intent in a regional center. Survival curves were generated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Five‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 80%, 83%, and 75%, respectively. Twenty‐six patients (23%) relapsed, with 92% of relapses occurring within 2 years of surgery. Immunosuppression ( p = .008) and N classification ( p = .043) predicted decreased DFS on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, only immunosuppression independently predicted DFS ( p = .034). Conclusion: This study validates the current N classification system, supports the adverse effect of immunosuppression, and suggests that intense follow‐up for 2 years postsurgery is warranted. Survival at this regional center is comparable to that achieved at metropolitan tertiary cancer centers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1808–1815, 2015