dermatologic disorders
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Prognosis for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In general, the prognosis for small lesions removed early and adequately is excellent. Regional and distant metastases of squamous cell carcinomas on sun-exposed skin are uncommon but do occur, particularly with poorly differentiated tumors. Characteristics of more aggressive tumors include Size > 2 cm in diameter Invasion depth of > 2 mm Perineural invasion Location near the ear or vermilion border About one third of lingual or mucosal cancers have metastasized before diagnosis (see Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma ). Late-stage disease, which may require extensive surgery, is far more likely to metastasize. It spreads initially regionally to surrounding skin and lymph nodes and eventually to nearby organs. Cancers that occur near the ears or the vermilion border, in scars, or that have perineural invasion are more likely to metastasize. The overall 5-year survival rate for metastatic disease is 34% despite therapy. 