Histologic Variants of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southeast Nigeri

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are tumours originating from cutaneous keratinocytes and they are among the most commonly encountered skin cancers. This study analysed the various histologic variants of cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) diagnosed in the hospital. The study was a descriptive retrospective study that involved the evaluation of all the skin biopsies histologically diagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the tertiary health institution between 2012 and 2018. Archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks were retrieved alongside relevant clinical data. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed on fresh 4µ sections of tumor specimens. The H&E stained slides were interpreted under a light microscope. A total of 55 cases of cutaneous SCC were histologically diagnosed accounting for 36.6% of skin tumours within the study period. Amongst the cSCC subtypes observed, squamous cell carcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified) recorded 29(53%), adenosquamous variant 9(16%), acantholytic SCC 6(11%), keratoacanthoma SCC 6 (11%) and verrucous squamous cell carcinoma 5(9%) cases. There was no significant relationship between cancer prevalence and anatomical sites of occurrence (p>0.05). The commonest variant of cSCC recorded in this study was SCC NOS which accounted for more than half of the total number of cSCC present. The 60-69 years age group was the age with the highest prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma (32.7 %). Knowledge of the prevailing subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma would guide interventions in the management of the disease.

Key Words: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, histological variants, adenosquamous, acantholytic, keratoacanthoma, verrucous