Head and neck skin cancer in the immunocompromised patient: a quantitative analysis
Collins, B.; Smith, C.; Anderson, M.; Garrana, S.; Allen, P.; Vasan, N.R.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 108(1): 8-12
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 25790580 Document Number: 680042
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are especially prone to develop in the immunosuppressed population. There is insufficient data regarding outcomes and mortality for immunosuppressed individuals with NMSC of the head and neck. What are the mortality indicators for immunosuppressed subjects with head and neck NMSC? This retrospective chart review analyzes all immunosuppressed patients diagnosed with any stage NMSC at an academic tertiary care institution from 2006-2011. Thirty four patients are analyzed. Odds of mortality is significantly increased for patients who required multiple surgeries (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=23.98, 95%CI=(1.411, 407.599)) and those who were immunocompromised secondary to leukemia (aOR=28.27, 95%CI=(1.838, 434.73)). Patients with leukemia and NMSC may have an increased risk of mortality compared to other immunocompromised patients with NMSC. Immunocompromised patients with NMSC may have a worse prognosis if multiple surgeries are required. Knowledge of mortality indicators may aid in the management of these immunocompromised patients.