Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule Review of literature

Background Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule is a rare entity. In consequence disagreement in etiology, staging system and therapy of primary tumor with or without adjuvant treatment of regional lymph nodes are apparent. Methods Pubmed-Recherche of relevant literature concerning: lymphatic drainage, metastases, incidence, risk factors (leather, nickel, nicotine, human papillomavirus, Staging system (UICC, AJCC, Wang's system), therapy of the primary tumor, regional lymph nodes and immunohistochemistry. Results Fifty-five studies were found and analyzed. Results are inconsistent. Conclusion The Wang-classification is recommended. Radiation and surgery are the treatment of choice for small lesions. Larger lesions (T3-Wang) should be treated with a combined approach. In cT1-cT2cN0-situation after accurate diagnostic, an elective therapy of regional lymph nodes is not necessary.