Outcomes of 100 Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Upper Limb: 100 Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Upper Limb

Abstract

Background: Rates of recurrence, metastases, and mortality for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the upper limb have not been clearly defined.

Objective: We aimed to characterize these tumors and assess the long-term outcomes, comparing with current literature.

Methods and materials: A retrospective review was performed on 100 consecutive primary cutaneous upper limb SCCs managed surgically by a single hand surgeon between 2012 and 2019. Data collection included patient demographics and tumor factors from the electronic patient records.

Results: One hundred SCCs were identified in 93 patients. Sixty-six percent of patients were male, and the median age was 80 years. Median follow-up was 25 months. Ninety-seven percent of cases were completely excised. The local recurrence rate was 1%, 2% presented with metastases, 4% developed metastases during follow-up, and the mortality related to SCC was 3% with a 33% overall mortality rate.

Conclusions: SCCs of the upper limb behave in a similar manner to those located elsewhere. The local recurrence, metastases, and mortality rates were all low, as such the majority of upper limb SCCs can be managed effectively with a single, low morbidity procedure.Deep margin clearance can be particularly challenging to achieve and an acceptable margin should be considered on an individual basis.