Aggressive scalp carcinoma with intracranial extension: a multidisciplinary experience of 25 patients with long-term follow-up

J Clin Neurosci. 2008 Sep;15(9):988-92. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2007.09.014. Epub 2008 Jul 23.

Abstract

Malignant skin cancer of the scalp with skull invasion, dural infiltration and brain involvement is a uncommon lesion. This scenario is most often encountered in patients where initial scalp lesions are not appropriately diagnosed or their extent is underestimated by the patient and/or the doctor. Our study is a retrospective review of 25 patients treated using a multidisciplinary approach (combined plastic surgery/neurosurgery procedure and neuro-oncological management). After a mean follow-up of 7 years, 22 patients did not show local recurrence or distant metastases of their primary disease. Overall, these 22 patients had excellent quality of life; however, three patients died from causes not related to their primary pathology. To obtain a complete and definitive cure, prompt diagnosis of scalp cancers followed by appropriate multidisciplinary management is strongly advised.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoma / mortality
  • Carcinoma / secondary*
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • Cranial Sinuses / pathology
  • Cranial Sinuses / surgery
  • Dura Mater / pathology
  • Dura Mater / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / physiopathology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / prevention & control
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / standards
  • Patient Care Team / standards
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / standards
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Scalp / pathology*
  • Scalp / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Skull / pathology
  • Skull / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Survival Rate