Cutaneous manifestations associated with malignancy of the head and neck

Most cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck (HN) are non-melanoma skin cancers, predominantly basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Less common entities include Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), sebaceous carcinoma (SC), and angiosarcoma. Treatment is based on histology subtype, stage, and extent of involvement. Surgery is the primary means of treatment and includes wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and cervical lymphadenectomy. Multidisciplinary management including radiation and targeted chemotherapy are critical adjuncts to surgery. Surgical planning must balance oncologic, functional, and cosmetic considerations. This review addresses cutaneous manifestations of primary malignancies of the HN and dermatologic complications of small molecule inhibitors used for targeted therapy. A working knowledge of both the cutaneous malignancies (CM) in the head and neck as well as the secondary dermatologic manifestations is relevant to multiple disciplines including dermatology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology.