Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Tumor Characteristics, Subclinical Extent, and Time to Poor Outcomes for less Common Skin Cancers
Areeba Ahmed1, Michael D Yi1, Nour Kibbi2
1Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Summary
This study analyzed rare nonmelanoma skin cancers, finding significant subclinical spread and common poor outcomes like recurrence. Understanding these patterns is crucial for guiding patient follow-up schedules.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Growth patterns and treatment responses of rare tumors remain poorly understood.
- Uncommon nonmelanoma skin cancers present unique clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patient and tumor features of rare nonmelanoma skin cancers.
- To assess subclinical spread and time to adverse outcomes in these rare tumors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE databases (1950-2022).
- Inclusion of original reports; exclusion of reviews and previously reported cases.
- Extraction of data from 347 relevant reports.
Main Results:
- Most rare tumors were primary, affecting the head and neck in older adults.
- Subclinical tumor extent exceeded 3 mm for all types.
- Poor outcomes (recurrence, metastasis) exceeded 20% for extramammary Paget disease and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical extent of rare skin tumors is variable.
- While mortality is low, recurrence and metastasis are common, necessitating careful follow-up.
- Time to poor outcomes data can inform surveillance strategies for rare skin cancers.
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