Lymphatic Patterns in Primary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck

In head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), metastases is thought to be associated with a less well-differentiated cSCCs. However, a recent study found that 15% of well-differentiated cSCCs can metastasise. The ability to visualise lymphatic vessels and better understanding of lymphatic growth has pointed toward the expression of growth factors as an important factor in lymphatic spread. This study reviewed 73 cSCCs specimens using lymphatic endothelial stain (D2-40) which shown an increase in lymphatic numbers, sizes, density and volume in less well differentiated groups. Thus, lymphatic patterns could be used as a prognostic indicator for prognoses and treatments.