JAAD Game Changers∗: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and the emerging role of sentinel lymph node biopsy: A literature review

Abstract

Capsule Summary•Most patients with squamous cell carcinoma have a favorable prognosis; however, high-risk squamous cell carcinoma is associated with aggressive clinical behavior and higher morbidity/mortality.•The extent of regional nodal involvement is an important prognostic factor for survival.•Sentinel lymph node biopsy may identify occult nodal metastases in patients at risk.How did this article change the practice of dermatology?Cutaneous SCC (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, and some of these patients are at risk for nodal metastasis and death. This article demonstrated that there is some evidence that supports considering sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging, prognostication, and therapeutic planning in cSCC classified as American Joint Committee on Cancer–7th Edition T2 larger than 2 cm in diameter or T2b in the alternative staging system.1 Patients with other high-risk factors. such as recurrent cSCC, and patients who are immunosuppressed should be included in trials evaluating the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cSCC.