[Metastasation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the ENT-Area]

Our aim was to investigate the metastasis behavior and its prognostic Factor for Survival, with our clinical data.

This retrospective study included 29 Caucasians, with a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the head and neck region, at our tertiary clinic between 2004 and 2016. All Patients received a Tumorresection and Neckdissection. We used either Ultrasound or Computer-Tomography (conventional or PET-CT) for our preoperative Staging and the Follow-up. The Patients were classified according to metastatic behavior and the corresponding survival rates were determined.

We found 11 patients with cervical metastases, 4 patients with parotideal metastases, 5 patients had Metastasis in both locations. In 9 patients a prophylactic neck dissection was performed. A loco regional tumor recurrence occurred in a total of 24 % of the cases, these cases were all associated with cervical metastasis. The 5-year survival rate in these cases was 71 %; in contrast, it was 100 % when parotideal metastasis alone occurred. In the group with prophylactic neck dissection, one case was diagnosed with occult metastases.

Cervical metastasis is associated with a poorer prognosis compared to parotideal metastasis. The survival rate after surgical therapy and, if necessary, additional adjuvant radiotherapy is generally good (79 %). The role of prophylactic neck dissection in cN0 with corresponding risk factors, has not been conclusively clarified.