Pneumatocele After Removal of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Scalp—a Rare Complication?

Abstract

Two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of scalp had the outer table of the skull opened with an osteotome and a drill. Split skin grafts were applied to the defect in one and delayed split skin grafts in the other. In both cases the lesions were on the vertex and resulted in leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and formation of intracranial pneumatoceles. In one case there was serious disturbance of the central nerveous system. We conclude that deep resection within the vertex region overlying the lateral lacuna in close proximity to the sagittal sinus must be done with care and the residual defect should preferably be covered with local flaps.

Key Words:

• squamous cell carcinoma
• pneumatocele