Perineural Invasion of Cranial Nerves in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Unraveling Its Complexities, Diagnostic Challenges, and Multifaceted Treatment Approaches

Cureus. 2024 Jun 6;16(6):e61854. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61854. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common neoplasm among non-melanoma skin cancers. When associated with perineural invasion of the cranial nerves, with clinical features often observed in trigeminal and facial nerves due to their cutaneous extension, it may lead to a worse prognosis. This paper introduces a rare case of an 81-year-old male, with a history of a moderately differentiated invasive carcinoma of the left frontal region with perineural invasion on the left trigeminal cranial nerve. The case underscores the aggressive nature of the intraneural infiltration by squamous cell carcinoma and the challenges in managing such advanced malignancies.

Keywords: cranial nerve enhancement; cranial nerve involvement; cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (scc); multiple cranial nerve neuropathy; perineural invasion (pni); trigeminal nerve biopsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports