ADJUVANT RADIOTHERAPY AFTER EXCISION OF CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA

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.