Risk factors for complications in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and proposal of a simplified follow-up strategy, making use of available healthcare resources

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common malignancy, generally cured by surgical excision. A minority of such tumours recur, metastasize or even cause death. The 2021 British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) guidelines outline high-risk features that are used to guide the follow-up of patients after a primary cSCC. The aims of this study were to identify histological features of cSCC that are significantly associated with the development of complications, and to compare the sensitivity, specificity and number of appointments required to follow-up patients using different follow-up criteria. [extract]