Management of primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has increased in incidence by more than 50% in the 10-year period from 2001 to 2011. Whilst many SCC are low-grade and readily treated with surgical excision, there remains an important minority that grow rapidly, are highly invasive and carry a risk of metastasis and death.

Remit and target users

This guideline provides recommendations for referral, management and follow up of patients aged 18 years and over with primary invasive SCC, including SCC arising on sun-exposed (SE) and non-SE sites. The guideline addresses pathological, clinical and tumour features, or combination of features that best facilitate risk stratification in patients with primary invasive cutaneous SCC. It includes a management algorithm and pathological reporting proforma.

This guideline will be of interest to dermatologists, histopathologists, oculoplastic, ear nose and throat, oral and maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, skin cancer clinical nurse specialists and oncologists, general practitioners and patients and their families.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was first issued in 2014 and revalidated in June 2017. Details can be found in the scoping report. It will be considered for review in three years. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, will be noted in the review report.

Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of  date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.