Management of close/positive margins in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a systematised review

Abstract

**Introduction**: The authors reviewed close/positive margins in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, ensuing recurrence, regional or systemic metastasis, mortality and follow-up management. **Methods**: The design was a systematised review from January 2000 to July 2021. The MEDLINE database was searched with 15 articles out of 3104 meeting the inclusion criteria. Pertinent references underpinning the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Guidelines Version 2.2022 were reviewed. **Results**: Overall, there were 13,671 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma lesions. We found pooled rates for positive excision (14.6% at 99% CI [12.97, 16.26]), ensuing recurrence (14.7% at 99% CI [13.51, 15.83]), regional or systemic metastasis (33.8% at 99% CI [33.77, 33.87]), and mortality (46.6% at 99% CI [42.53, 50.65]). Positive excisions most frequently involved the deep margin (73.7%), nose (34.5%) and ear (33.14%). Re-excision of positive margins appeared to confer worse recurrence (35.4%). We found pooled rates for close/positive excision (17% at 99% CI [15.22, 18.84]), ensuing recurrence (17% at 99% CI [15.76, 18.16]), regional or systemic metastasis (30.4% at 99% CI [26.15, 34.73]), and mortality (46.6% at 99% CI [42.53, 50.65]). Mean follow up was 51 months. Surgical re-excision with adequate margins appeared to be most efficacious, followed by radiotherapy. Chemoradiation and chemotherapy appeared less efficacious. **Conclusion**: Surgical re-excision with adequate margins remains the gold standard for close/positive margins in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, followed by radiotherapy.