Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]

There are no CT scan findings associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. However, a CT scan may be helpful in the detection of disease extent, assessment of metastasis, and perineural invasion of the tumor.

There are no CT scan findings associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. However, a CT scan may be helpful in the detection of the following:

• Disease extent – CT scan is useful in determining the extent of disease, particularly in lesions of the oral cavity, tongue, and esophagus.
• Assessment of metastasis – to determine the extent of metastasis to regional lymph nodes.
• Perineural invasion – for lesions that are in close proximity to nerves, especially for tumors in the oral and nasopharyngeal cavities.

The accuracy of nodal staging with a CT scan is better than clinical staging, and is helpful in determining which treatment modalities to use.

Advantages:

• CT is less expensive than an MRI.
• CT is more sensitive in detecting tumor involvement of the bone and cartilage.
• CT is safer for patients with implants.

Disadvantages

• Exposure to radiation.
• Less sensitive for soft tissue involvement.^[1]

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