title: Dermal metastases in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermal metastases in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate incidence, site, prognostic significance, and treatment modalities of dermal metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier curves.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-one patients with dermal metastases were evaluated. Dermal metastases were located in the neck, face, chest wall, and upper extremities. The median time from diagnosis of the primary tumor to the occurrence of dermal metastases was 16 months. Survival after manifestation of dermal metastases ranged from 1 to 65 weeks. Localization and treatment of dermal metastases did not significantly correlate with survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dermal metastases indicate the terminal phase of disease. No positive effect of certain therapy modalities could be validated. Therefore, invasive therapies should be abandoned in favor of best supportive care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Giessen & Marburg, Campus Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany. sesterhe@ med.uni-marburg.de
authors.forename: Andreas M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sesterhenn
authors.forename: Max B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Albers
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Timmesfeld
authors.forename: Jochen A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wiegand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D015996:Survival Rate