Intracranial invasion of scalp carcinoma. Report of five cases.

Among 10 patients with squamous cell carcinoma admitted to our hospital, 5 showed intracranial invasion and 4 died with regrowth of intracranial tumour 9 to 24 months after incomplete extirpation of tumour. We reviewed our experience in the management of advanced scalp carcinoma, from neurosurgical and neuroradiological points of view. Dural invasion failed to be removed completely because of involvement of the middle part of the superior sagittal sinus. Therefore, total resection, facilitated by early detection prior to intracranial invasion, is mandatory for successful treatment of these scalp carcinomas.