Summary 

Dr. Darrell Rigel discusses the trends in the incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the United States. He states that the incidence of SCC is consistently increasing, particularly in the southern half of the country. This rising trend highlights the need to improve the identification of patients who are at the highest risk of developing metastatic disease and facing death due to SCC. By identifying these high-risk patients, healthcare providers can administer more aggressive therapies to appropriately treat the condition and improve patient outcomes. 

Key Points 

• Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) incidence is on the rise in the United States. 
• The increase in SCC incidence is particularly notable in the southern half of the country. 
• Identifying patients at the highest risk for metastatic disease and death is becoming increasingly important. 
• The goal is to treat high-risk patients with more aggressive therapy to improve outcomes. 
• The rising trend in SCC calls for improved methods of identifying and diagnosing high-risk patients. 
• Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing SCC cases effectively.