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Clinical Advances in Skin Cancer: A Closer Look at Non-Melanoma Types

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dermatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 24 October 2025 | Viewed by 1404

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
U.O.C. di Dermatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
Interests: general dermatology; melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers; rare cutaneous tumors; dermatologic surgery; Mohs micrographic surgery; pediatric dermatology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are by far the most common malignancies worldwide. They include keratinocyte skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma comprises approximately 80% of NMSCs and most of the remainder are cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

The incidence of NMSC has progressively increased in recent decades, so that one in every three cancers diagnosed each year is a type of skin cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The predominant risk factor for NMSC is exposure to solar UV radiation. Skin type also plays a role, with a higher incidence of NMSC among faired-skinned individuals. Moreover, immunocompromise can increase the risk. If detected early, the prognosis is often excellent. Nevertheless, more than 5000 people worldwide die of advanced NMSC every month.

Tremendous progress has been achieved in recent years in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of skin cancers, leading to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

For this Special Issue on JCM focused on skin cancers, we welcome original research and review articles that provide an overview of the most recent advances and future challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of NMSCs. Research areas may include the following tumors: actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

I look forward to receive your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Andrea Paradisi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • basal cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • actinic keratosis
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 11761 KB  
Article
Metastatic Head and Neck Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinico-Pathologic Features and Reconstructive Approach
by Victor Vlad Costan, Otilia Boișteanu, Delia Gabriela Ciobanu Apostol, Ștefan Vasile Toader, Cristina Colac Boțoc, Alin Gabriel Colac, Mihai-Liviu Ciofu and Mihaela Paula Toader
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(18), 6650; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14186650 - 21 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy globally, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) posing a significant risk of regional metastasis, especially in high-risk anatomical areas such as the head and neck. While general risk factors for metastasis are well [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy globally, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) posing a significant risk of regional metastasis, especially in high-risk anatomical areas such as the head and neck. While general risk factors for metastasis are well known, few studies have directly compared the clinical and pathological features of synchronous versus metachronous metastatic behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and reconstructive implications associated with these two metastatic patterns in head and neck NMSC. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 46 patients with histologically confirmed metastatic NMSC of the head and neck, treated between January 2022 and May 2024 at a tertiary care center. Patients were stratified into synchronous or metachronous metastasis groups. Clinical data, histopathological features, metastatic sites, and surgical approaches were analyzed. Comparative statistics were applied using chi-square and t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 46 patients, 50% had synchronous and 50% had metachronous metastases. The lower lip was the most common primary tumor site in both groups. Perineural and lymphovascular invasion were more frequent in synchronous metastases. Metachronous cases often required more complex reconstructive procedures, including free flap reconstructions and mandibular resections. Patients with metachronous metastases were significantly older (p = 0.024), and approximately one-third developed metastases more than four years after initial treatment. Conclusions: Head and neck NMSC, particularly involving the lower lip, may exhibit late-onset metastatic potential. Risk-adapted surveillance extending beyond current guidelines is warranted to improve long-term outcomes in high-risk patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Skin Cancer: A Closer Look at Non-Melanoma Types)
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14 pages, 625 KB  
Systematic Review
Clinical Versus Dermoscopic Evaluation of Tumor Margins Prior to Surgical Excision—A Systematic Review
by Anestis Chrysostomidis, Evangelos Kostares, Antonios Saramantos, Konstantinos Lallas, Aimilios Lallas, Maria Kantzanou, Ioannis Tilaveridis and Athanassios Kyrgidis
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6014; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176014 - 26 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Accurate surgical margin delineation is essential in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), to reduce recurrence and metastasis. Dermoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy for skin tumors, but its utility for [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Accurate surgical margin delineation is essential in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), to reduce recurrence and metastasis. Dermoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy for skin tumors, but its utility for preoperative margin assessment remains underexplored. To compare dermoscopy-guided versus clinical visual inspection for preoperative margin assessment in NMSC excision, focusing on histological clearance rates and surgical outcomes. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 1 July 2025. Eligible studies included adult patients undergoing surgical excision of histologically confirmed BCC or cSCC, with preoperative margin evaluation using either dermoscopy or clinical examination. The primary outcome was the rate of complete histological excision. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis using the Freeman–Tukey transformation was performed. Results: Nine cohort studies comprising 900 NMSC lesions were included. Dermoscopy-guided excision demonstrated pooled histological clearance of 98.7% (95% CI: 97–99.8%), compared to 80–94% with clinical assessment. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 42%). However, variability in study design and limited data for cSCC restricted broader conclusions. Conclusions: Dermoscopy may enhance margin assessment and histological clearance in NMSC surgery, especially for BCC. Further standardized, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its role in surgical planning and extend evidence to SCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Skin Cancer: A Closer Look at Non-Melanoma Types)
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