Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural invasion: report on eight cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Perineural invasion (PNI) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is considered to be a negative prognostic factor. A lot of uncertainty remains regarding the classification, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of SCC with PNI.

Objective: To describe typical courses of SCC with PNI and associated findings in order to suggest an optimized diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Methods: We present eight cases of SCC with PNI, considering patient and tumor characteristics, histology, treatment and clinical course regarding local recurrence and metastasization.

Results: SCC patients with PNI have a higher rate of local recurrences and greater risk for metastasization than SCC patients without PNI. Age ranged from 68 to 77 years, 6 patients were male and 2 female, with all tumors localized on the head. Three patients had chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Conclusion: Based on the data of this series and the current literature, we make suggestions for better diagnostic and therapeutic management.