J. Geohas et al., ADJUVANT RADIOTHERAPY AFTER EXCISION OF CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 30(4), 1994, pp. 633-636
Most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the trunk and extrem
ities are small enough to be cured by simple surgical excision. Becaus
e the risk of metastasis of SCCs of the head and neck arising from muc
osal surfaces is higher than the risk of metastasis of SCCs arising fr
om cutaneous surfaces, it may be more appropriate to review case repor
ts of the trunk and extremities separately from those of the head and
neck when seeking prognostic indicators. A small group of advanced les
ions, however, is more difficult to treat and has an increased risk of
local recurrence or metastasis and a poorer prognosis. We describe a
patient with high-risk cutaneous SCC who is disease-free 1 year after
adjuvant radiotherapy subsequent to excision by Mohs micrographic surg
ery. This report discusses prognostic indicators of cutaneous SCC and
suggests adjuvant modalities for the treatment of high-risk disease af
ter surgical excision. Radiotherapy is a rational choice as adjuvant t
herapy for the treatment of high-risk cutaneous SCC after excision.