Rare Skin Malignancies of the Head and Neck: A Review

Jason P. Hunt; Scott R. Florell; Luke O. Buchmann

doi:10.1055/s-0033-1353379

Facial Plastic Surgery, Table of Contents

Facial Plast Surg 2013; 29(05): 389-393
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353379

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Rare Skin Malignancies of the Head and Neck: A Review

Jason P. Hunt

¹Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

,

Scott R. Florell

²Department of Dermatology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

,

Luke O. Buchmann

¹Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The skin of the head and neck is a common location for skin cancers to develop. The majority of skin cancers of the head and neck are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, with melanoma also occurring at a significant incidence. However, there are many other histologies that occur and raise diagnostic and treatment challenges. In this article, we review some of the more common histologies that are classified as rare skin malignancies of the head and neck. Specifically, epidemiology, pathogenesis, histopathology, and treatment options for each of these histologies will be discussed. There is a growing emphasis on Mohs micrographic surgery in the treatment of these lesions, although, some are not amenable to this technique. A multidisciplinary approach is frequently useful in their treatment.

Keywords

rare cutaneous malignancies - head and neck - skin cancer

Full Text

References

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