A Clinical Experience of Direct Extension to Parotid Gland of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has a high incidence. However, regional metastasis occurs infrequently because skin cancer is usually recognized and treated early. We report the case of squamous cell carcinoma around the earlobe in a 74-year-old male patient. The cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma invaded ipsilateral parotid gland directly without lymphatic spreading. Wide excision was made with 1.5 cm margin and immediate reconstruction was performed with radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap. During operation facial nerve was preserved. No recurrence was noted for 5 years and the patient was satisfied with good aesthetic result. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma spreads to the parotid gland usually through lymph nodes and there are few reports of invasive organ damage by direct invasion. We experienced a case of direct invasion to parotid gland without lymph node involvement of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and treated the cancer adequately with wide excision and free flap coverage.