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Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is usually associated with hair follicles, not acantholytic actinic keratosis, and is not “high risk”: Diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes in a series of 115 cases
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.09.024Abstract
Background
Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma (aSCC) is regarded as a high-risk variant of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Acantholytic actinic keratosis (aAK) has been regarded as a precursor risk factor for aSCC. However, supporting evidence is limited.Objective
We sought to document clinical features, histologic features, management, and outcomes in a series of aSCC cases.Methods
Definitions of aSCC, aAK, and aSCC arising in association with aAK were applied to a consecutive series of aSCC cases. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records.Results
Of 115 aSCC cases (103 patients, mean age 71.8 years), actinic keratosis was present in 23% (27/115) but only 7.8% (9/115) exhibited associated aAK. Ten cases (10/115, 9%) fulfilled strict histologic criteria for follicular SCC as previously defined, but 50 of 115 (43%) of our aSCC cases exhibited predominant involvement of follicular epithelium rather than epidermis. Clinical outcome (median follow-up, 36 months) was available in 106 of 115 (92%). One patient experienced regional extension (parotid), and 1 patient experienced a local recurrence (nose). No disease-related metastases or deaths were documented.Limitations
This was a single-institution retrospective study from the United States.Conclusions
The presence of acantholysis in cutaneous SCC does not specifically confer aggressive behavior, a finding that may inform clinical practice guidelines.Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.
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