Imaging Improves Detection of cSCC Nodal Spread

Ultrasonography, CT may be superior, but have limited benefit in patients who are immunosuppressed.

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Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) detect more nodal metastases than physical examination in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients.
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In a study of 155 patients, ultrasonography had a sensitivity of nearly 64%, while CT had 55%, compared to just over 8% for physical examination.
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Both imaging modalities showed similar diagnostic accuracy, but concordance with physical examination was low, highlighting its limitations.
4

Sensitivity for detecting nodal metastases declined significantly in immunosuppressed patients, with ultrasonography at 20% and CT at 17%.
5

The study supports imaging for baseline nodal staging in high-risk patients, but performance varies by immune status, affecting reliability.

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