Delayed Diagnosis and Early Detection in cSCC

This episode, titled “Delayed Diagnosis and Early Detection in cSCC,” features panelists discussing the challenges associated with delayed diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and the clinical consequences of limited access to dermatologic care. The expert faculty examine how prolonged wait times, shortages of dermatologists, and barriers to timely evaluation may contribute to patients presenting with larger and more advanced tumors.

The panel also highlights the importance of identifying patients at highest risk for aggressive disease, including those with prior cSCC, chronic ultraviolet exposure, immunosuppression, and solid organ transplantation. The discussion emphasizes the role of routine skin examinations, patient education, and proactive surveillance strategies in supporting earlier diagnosis and reducing disease progression.

Additionally, the expert faculty discuss practical approaches used in clinical practice to encourage patients to seek timely evaluation for lesions that are bleeding, growing, changing, or otherwise concerning. The panel underscores how risk stratification and regular dermatologic follow-up may help improve outcomes for high-risk patient populations and reduce the burden of advanced cSCC in clinical practice.

In the next episode, “Molecular Profiling Approaches in cSCC,” panelists will continue their discussion on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and highlight how gene expression profiling results are interpreted in clinical practice, including their impact on treatment escalation, surveillance strategies, and multidisciplinary care planning.