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Dermal metastases in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
Author(s) -
Sesterhenn Andreas M.,
Albers Max B.,
Timmesfeld Nina,
Werner Jochen A.,
Wiegand Susanne
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.23025
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck , basal cell , exact test , incidence (geometry) , medical record , head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , radiology , oncology , radiation therapy , head and neck cancer , surgery , physics , optics
Background Dermal metastases in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate incidence, site, prognostic significance, and treatment modalities of dermal metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods Medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test, Cox regression, and Kaplan–Meier curves. Results Fifty‐one patients with dermal metastases were evaluated. Dermal metastases were located in the neck, face, chest wall, and upper extremities. The median time from diagnosis of the primary tumor to the occurrence of dermal metastases was 16 months. Survival after manifestation of dermal metastases ranged from 1 to 65 weeks. Localization and treatment of dermal metastases did not significantly correlate with survival. Conclusion Dermal metastases indicate the terminal phase of disease. No positive effect of certain therapy modalities could be validated. Therefore, invasive therapies should be abandoned in favor of best supportive care. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012