Published online Nov 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i11.654
Revised: August 23, 2014
Accepted: September 16, 2014
Published online: November 16, 2014
Processing time: 152 Days and 9.2 Hours
Despite the low incidence, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains the most common scrotal malignancy with a propensity for recurrence and metastasis. In recent years there has been a significant change in the epidemiology of scrotal SCC. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for resectable disease. Sentinel lymph node dissection adapted from experience with penile SCC can reduce the morbidity of routine lymph node dissection. Emerging treatments for advanced and metastatic SCC are at the cusp of significantly changing management of this disease. We have performed a comprehensive review of scrotal SCC with a focus on these topics.
Core tip: Scrotal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) although rare, represents one of the most common forms of scrotal malignancy. The epidemiology of SCC has changed over time and iatrogenic conditions (psoralens and ultraviolet A radiation, immunosuppression, etc.) and human papilloma virus infection play a significant role as associated conditions. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment and primary excision with a risk stratified approach for staging and treatment of regional lymph node is advisable. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can mitigate the morbidities of unwarranted inguinal lymph node dissection in selected cases. For locally advanced and metastatic disease palliative chemotherapy is advocated. Targeted therapies might hold promise for management of advanced SCC.