Head and neck skin cancer in the immunocompromised patient: a quantitative analysis.

BACKGROUND

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.

CLINICAL QUESTION

What are the mortality indicators for immunosuppressed subjects with head and neck NMSC?

METHODS

This retrospective chart review analyzes all immunosuppressed patients diagnosed with any stage NMSC at an academic tertiary care institution from 2006-2011.

RESULTS

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)).

CONCLUSION

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.