Correlation Between Histological Findings on Punch Biopsy Specimens and Subsequent Excision Specimens in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A. Westers-Attema*, V.M.H.J. Joosten, M.H. Roozeboom, P.J. Nelemans, B.G.P.M. Lohman, A.A. Botterweck, P.M. Steijlen, A.M.W. van Marion, N.W.J. Kelleners-Smeets

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Diagnosis and subsequent treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are frequently based on punch biopsies. Regarding the current TNM classification and stage grouping for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, it is important to identify the high-risk features (infiltration depth >4 mm, perineural and/or lymphovascular invasion and poor differentiation). This study investigates the agreement of histological high-risk features and TNM grouping stage on 3 mm punch biopsies and subsequent surgical excision in 105 patients diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. On punch biopsy, infiltration depth >4 mm is not identified in 83.3% (30/36), perineural invasion in 90.9% (10/11) and poor differentiation in 85.7% (6/7) of cases. The TNM stage was underestimated on punch biopsy in 15.4% (16/104). This study shows that on a 3-mm punch biopsy, high-risk features in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can remain undetected and that the actual TNM stage is not identified in 1 out of 6 tumours.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-185
Number of pages5
JournalActa Dermato-Venereologica
Volume95
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • treatment
  • diagnosis
  • punch biopsy
  • surgical excision
  • TNM grouping stage
  • SKIN-CANCER
  • CLINICAL-DIAGNOSIS
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • SUBTYPE
  • NETHERLANDS
  • METASTASIS
  • MALIGNANCY
  • GUIDELINES
  • MANAGEMENT
  • SURVIVAL

Cite this