Characteristics of Metastasizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Author Information
Author(s): Quaedvlieg P J F, Creytens D H K V, Epping G G, Peutz-Kootstra C J, Nieman F H M, Thissen M R T M, Krekels G A
Primary Institution: University Hospital Maastricht
Hypothesis
Can histopathological features predict the metastatic potential of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and lips?
Conclusion
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma typically has a width of at least 15 mm and a Breslow thickness of at least 2 mm.
Supporting Evidence
- 68 out of 915 tumours metastasized, indicating a 7.4% metastasis rate.
- Desmoplasia, Clark level, and Breslow depth were significantly related to metastasis.
- Patients with metastatic disease had a poor prognosis with 10-year survival rates of less than 20%.
- Recurrent lesions had a higher metastatic rate compared to primary lesions.
Takeaway
Some skin cancers can spread to other parts of the body, and we found certain features that can help doctors know which ones are more likely to do so.
Methodology
Histopathological features of metastasized and non-metastasized tumours were compared using a matched control group.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to missing data and the retrospective nature of the study.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and had a small number of metastatic cases, which may affect the statistical analysis.
Participant Demographics
73% male and 27% female, mean age 79 years for women and 82 years for men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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