Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of scalp: A case report

Cutaneous Squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC) represents approximately 16% of scalp tumors. Overall, cSCC is significantly more common in the oropharyngeal mucosa than the skin. Smoking is a risk factor for mucosal lesions, risk factors for developing cutaneous SCC include age, ultraviolet light exposure, chronic scarring, history of ionizing radiation, androgenetic alopecia (in men), and immunosuppression. The rates of bone invasion in cutaneous SCC have not been well noted in the literature.

We report a case of 57-year-old man with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of scalp with extension into bone, cortex and dura mater. Gross total removal of the tumor with extension of bony defect followed by repair of dura and repair of skin defect by VY advancement flap was done under general anaesthesia. At a 3-month follow-up, his wound is well healed. No evidence of metastasis is noted.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer, and its incidence is steadily increasing. Although the majority of cSCCs are successfully eradicated by surgical excision, advanced cSCC poses a significant risk in terms of morbidity, impact on quality of life, and risk of death.

Invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of scalp is a rare entity. Invasion to bone, cortex, and dura mater is furthermore rare. Therefore, proper management of advanced cSCC is of the utmost importance since local invasion, delayed diagnosis, and metastasis contribute to increased costs and morbidity. A multi-disciplinary team approach is recommended.