Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 1 million cases treated in the United States each year. Although most cSCCs are localized and can be easily treated, approximately 5% of patients will experience local recurrence, 4% will develop nodal metastases, and up to 2% will die of the disease. In addition to the small but significant number of deaths attributed to cSCC each year, the disease and its associated precancerous skin lesions contribute to a large financial burden of more than $4.5 billion annually in the United States.

Although it is the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can often be effectively treated with a variety of surgical modalities, such as standard excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodessication, and cryosurgery.