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Oncologic Outcomes for Invasive SCC with a Clinically Resolved Biopsy Site - Watchful Waiting

Boudreaux B, Christensen H, Porter HJ, et al.
Dermatologic Surgery (2025)

JC: May 2025

This study evaluated oncologic outcomes for invasive SCC with a clinically resolved biopsy site managed with watchful waiting rather than immediate definitive excision. The data provided evidence on the safety of observation in select cases where the biopsy appeared to completely remove the tumor.

Take-Home Messages

  • Watchful waiting may be an acceptable approach for select invasive SCCs with clinically resolved biopsy sites, though careful patient selection is critical.
  • Close clinical follow-up is mandatory when pursuing observation for invasive SCC to detect early recurrence.

Topic

SCC Risk & PNI

Cutaneous SCC risk stratification, perineural invasion, metastasis

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Abstract

Treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) largely involves surgical excision. Few studies have examined oncologic outcomes of tumors managed by watchful waiting (WW) when the lesion appears resolved after the biopsy site has healed. To describe oncologic outcomes for patients diagnosed with cSCC that was determined clinically resolved at follow-up and subsequently managed by WW. This retrospective cohort included pathology proven cases of cSCC occurring from January 1st, 2013 to A...

Literature review only. This summary is an editorial interpretation and may not reflect the complete findings of the original publication. Always refer to the full-text article for clinical decision-making.