Insight on common forms of cutaneous head and neck carcinoma (Review)

Abstract

To improve the outcome and quality of life for patients with head and neck carcinoma, an increasing amount of research has been performed on the particularities of this type of cancer and its treatment methods. Starting from clinical aspects, including histology and imaging features, up-to-date studies from different parts of the world have determined new data leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease and proposed new treatment protocols. The head and neck areas are predisposed to almost all skin neoplasms, most commonly those related to ultraviolet exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma account for almost 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers in this region; therefore, reviewing the literature on cutaneous carcinomas of the head and neck area and sharing particular aspects of their physiopathology are beneficial for a great number of patients. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Squamous cell carcinoma 3. Basal cell carcinoma 4. Treatment challenges 5. Conclusions

Durable tumor regression and restoration of neurologic function after treatment with anti-PD-1 in patients with functionally unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural spread into the cavernous sinus

“…Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is among the most common human cancers [1].CSCC is typically locally invasive and often impacts the skin and nerves of the head and neck, a process termed perineural spread (PNS), resulting in functional de cits and associated morbidity. Locally advanced CSCC of the head and neck often spreads to the trigeminal nerve, which has been described as cancer's "highway to the brain" [2].…”