Carcinoma of unknown primary in the inguinal lymph node region of squamous cell origin: A case series

Abstract Purpose Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) of the inguinal region is a rare clinical entity that accounts for 1%-3 % of all CUPs. Of the inguinal lymph node region CUPs, about 10%-15% are of squamous cell origin. This study presents a case series of CUP of the inguinal region of squamous cell origin treated in our institution and review of the outcome. Methods and materials We have identified 9 patients treated during the period of 1990-2010. All patients were treated radically with chemoradiation. Regimens used were 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin combination (n = 8) or 5-FU/mitomycin-C (n = 1) regimen. Tumor doses were 5400 cGy (n = 7), 5500 cGy (n = 1), and 5040 cGy (n = 1). Results The median duration of follow-up was 56 months (range, 10-76 months) for the whole group. There were no deaths or local or distant recurrences reported till the last recorded date of follow-up. Conclusions Our retrospective data showed significant long-term disease control for patients with localized inguinal region CUP of squamous cell origin who received concurrent chemoradiation.