Surgical outcomes for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) on the auricle is believed to carry a higher risk of metastatic spread. The rates of lymphatic metastasis reported in the literature have varied widely. There are no established prognostic criteria to determine which of these tumors are higher risk and warrant prophylactic treatment of the associated lymphatic basins.

To retrospectively evaluate outcomes after surgical treatment of auricular CSCC in our department, examining excision completeness, tumor recurrence, and lymphatic metastasis. Secondarily, to identify factors associated with lymphatic metastasis.

One hundred and thirty-eight consecutive cases of auricular SCC were excised from 126 patients in our department over a 7-year period (January 2012-December 2018). Data were retrospectively collected on patient characteristics, tumor histology, surgical procedures, and follow-up.

Incomplete initial excision occurred in 17 cases (12.32%). Six patients (4.76%) had a local recurrence. Lymphatic metastasis occurred in eight patients (6.35%), on average within 10.25 months after primary excision. Six patients with metastasis died during follow-up, with a mean survival of 10.2 months. Older age was associated with lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.0267). Other factors, including tumor recurrence, size, grade, cartilage invasion, and positive margins, were evaluated and not significantly associated with metastasis.

In this study, the metastatic rate of auricular SCC was 6.35%, which is within the previously reported ranges. No histological prognostic factors were identified in this study, which may be due to our limited sample size. In the absence of established prognostic criteria, decisions regarding prophylactic treatment should be made on an individual basis with multidisciplinary support.