Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: A Case Report Emphasizing Early Detection
Abstract
Objective: To illustrate the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, and treatment strategy of a patient with scalp squamous cell carcinoma and to emphasise the importance of early detection and interdisciplinary care for improved patient outcomes.
Design: This case report provides a comprehensive account of the patient’s clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment approach.
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the scalp is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, with incidence rising due to increasing ultraviolet radiation exposure. While scalp SCC constitutes a significant proportion of cutaneous malignancies, cerebral invasion is uncommon. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who developed a non-healing scalp ulcer following head trauma, persisting for three months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed a heterogeneously enhancing parietal scalp lesion with small enhancing cervical lymph nodes. Histopathological examination confirmed moderately differentiated SCC. The patient was managed surgically following appropriate preoperative preparation. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and timely intervention in scalp SCC to prevent disease progression, morbidity, and regional metastasis.
Intervention: The patient underwent wide local excision of the scalp lesion with adequate surgical margins, followed by primary closure of the defect. Postoperative wound care was provided, and the excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination to confirm complete tumor clearance.
Main Outcome Measure: Postoperative recovery, wound healing, and confirmation of complete tumor clearance on histopathology.
Results: Surgical management resulted in complete excision of the lesion with histopathological confirmation of negative margins. The patient’s recovery was satisfactory, and subsequent follow-ups demonstrated disease-free survival.
Conclusion: This report emphasizes that thorough clinical evaluation, appropriate surgical intervention with clear margins, and consistent follow-up play a crucial role in achieving optimal prognosis in patients with scalp SCC.
Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma, Scalp tumors, non-healing ulcer, Trauma-induced SCC, Surgical management
Keywords:
Squamous cell carcinoma, Scalp tumors, Surgical management, Trauma-induced SCC, non-healing ulcer,DOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i12.7453References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sandeep Goud Mitta , Sannidhi Tanvi , Arelli Kavya , Sahedur Rahaman , Khursed Alam
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