A retrospective analysis of histological prognostic factors for the development of lymph node metastases from auricular squamous cell carcinoma

Clark, R.R., Soutar, D. and Hunter, K.D. (2010) A retrospective analysis of histological prognostic factors for the development of lymph node metastases from auricular squamous cell carcinoma. Histopathology, 57(1), pp. 138-146. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2010.03593.x)

Abstract

Aims: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the auricle has a high risk of metastatic spread, which is associated with high mortality. Identification of patients with a high risk of lymph node metastases would allow prophylactic treatment to the draining lymph nodes, but there are no established clinical or histopathological criteria to predict which tumours have a high risk of metastasis. The aim was to determine such criteria. Methods and results: The study was a retrospective analysis of the clinical and histological features of 229 cases of SCC of the auricle, with a minimum of 2 years' clinical follow-up. Overall, lymph node metastases were present in 24 cases (10.5%). Of the patients with metastatic disease 66.7% died, despite multi-modality treatment. Tumours with a depth of invasion > 8 mm or a depth of invasion between 2 and 8 mm in conjunction with evidence of destructive cartilage invasion, lymphovascular invasion or a non-cohesive invasive front had a high risk of metastasis (56% and 24%, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with high-risk tumours, as assessed histopathologically, should be considered for prophylactic therapy to or staging of the regional lymph nodes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Soutar, Mr David and Hunter, Dr Keith
• Authors: Clark, R.R., Soutar, D., and Hunter, K.D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Histopathology
• ISSN: 0309-0167
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2559