Giant squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp: surgical challenge involving reconstruction

Tenazoa-Villalobos J.R.; Yan-Quiroz E.F.; Burgos-García O.M.V.; Llerena-Cobián G. · Anales de la Facultad de Medicina (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/anales.v87i2.32817

Resumen

Giant squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp is a rare entity that poses significant surgical challenges. We present the first case of a 66-year-old man with a 3-cm scalp lesion of two years' duration. He initially underwent wide local excision but subsequently developed an extensive recurrence involving the parietal bone and cervical lymph nodes. The second case involved an 86-year-old woman with a progressively enlarging frontoparietal lesion measuring 8 × 10 cm, without bone or lymph node involvement. Both patients underwent radical surgical resection followed by immediate reconstruction using a rotation flap and full-thickness skin graft. In the first case, a metallic mesh was required to reconstruct the calvarial defect, along with cervical lymph node dissection. Both patients had favorable postoperative outcomes, with no complications, and tolerated the procedures well, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of this surgical approach. © (2026), (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego