Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: management of the parotid and neck.

Although the metastatic rate of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is low, detailed examination for the presence of micro- and macrometastasis of lymph nodes is crucial in avoiding the devastating outcomes and in planning appropriate treatment. Cutaneous SCC of the head and neck can spread to parotid lymph nodes, cervical lymph nodes, or both, depending on the location of the primary tumor. Therefore, clinical and radiologic evaluation of the parotid and neck should be performed in patients with cutaneous SCC. Optimal treatment of metastatic cutaneous SCC of the head and neck should consist of complete surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy.