Lymphovascular Invasion in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Michael P Ryan; Frank T Winsett; Andrew M Armenta; Brandon P Goodwin; Richard F Wagner Jr

doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000004187

Lymphovascular Invasion in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Dermatol Surg. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004187. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Michael P Ryan¹, Frank T Winsett², Andrew M Armenta², Brandon P Goodwin², Richard F Wagner Jr²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
² Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.

PMID: 38603804
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004187

Abstract

Background: Although there is a large body of literature regarding risk stratification and outcomes for perineural invasion (PNI) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), there is a relative paucity of studies exploring the role of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in cSCC and a lack of clear evidence-based guidelines for how to manage patients with these tumors.

Objective: This article is intended to review the available literature regarding LVI in cSCC and formulate evidence-based recommendations for clinical management.

Methods and materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to find relevant articles relating to outcomes and management of primary cSCC with LVI.

Results: The available literature suggests that LVI is a major risk factor for poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality in cSCC.

Conclusion: Lymphovascular invasion is a very high-risk feature that should place these tumors in the highest-risk category, and management of these tumors should be similar to that of squamous cell carcinoma with PNI.