Pattern of nodal metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the temporal bone

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the pattern of lymph‐node spread of SCCs involving the temporal bone. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cutaneous SCCs involving the temporal bone over a 20‐year time‐period. Forty‐one patients were eligible. RESULTS: Mean age was 72.8 years. The diagnosis was cutaneous SCC in all cases. All patients underwent a temporal bone resection, 70.7% had a neck‐dissection and 78.0% a parotidectomy. Level 2 was the most common area of neck metastasis, and occurred in 12.2%. The parotid had disease in 34.1%. 51.2% of patients underwent free‐flap reconstruction. Mean overall survival of the cohort was 4.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the rate of cervical nodal metastasis was 22.0% and 13.5% in the occult setting. The parotid was involved in 34.1% and 10.0% in the occult setting. Results from the present study support consideration for performing a parotidectomy at the time of temporal bone resection, while a neck dissection can be performed for adequate staging of the nodal basin. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3