Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for approximately 20% of all malignant skin tumors and is the second most common skin cancer worldwide. Although the prognosis is generally favorable when diagnosed at an early stage, large tumors with invasion into surrounding tissues and metastasis to regional lymph nodes tend to exhibit more aggressive behavior. In particular, reconstruction of large tissue defects following wide excision of skin tumors remains a significant clinical challenge. Case presentation: We present a rare case of cSCC in a 69-year-old male patient, located on the left hip. The lesion measured 13x9 cm, with well-demarcated borders from the surrounding normal skin, prominently elevated above the skin surface, and characterized by a bluish-brown color. The central superior portion of the lesion was depressed and ulcerated with infiltrative features. Histopathological examination confirmed a well-differentiated, keratinizing invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography revealed a soft tissue density mass at the skin surface of the left lower abdomen, along with enlargement of the left inguinal lymph nodes. Treatment: The patient underwent wide local excision of the tumor along with regional lymph node dissection (lymphadenectomy). The resulting large tissue defect was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. During surgery, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was performed to assess flap perfusion, and handheld Doppler was used to evaluate vascular flow. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful. The flap survived successfully with adequate perfusion. Histopathological examination confirmed negative surgical margins, and no metastasis was identified in the lymph nodes. The patient remains in stable condition without any complaints or symptoms and is under regular follow-up by an oncologist. Conclusion This case demonstrates that combining wide excision with free flap reconstruction is an effective approach for managing large cSCC. In addition, the use of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography for intraoperative assessment of vascular perfusion enhances flap viability and contributes to improved surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND. Head and neck cancers are related group of cancers that involve the oral cavity, pharynx (oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx), and larynx. Early-stage tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract can be cured; for late-stage disease, prognosis is poor. Nowadays microvascular free tissue transfer surgery performed at high level. Worldwide, this particular kind of operation in head and neck surgical field has become “golden standard” of treatment. Seemingly, plastic and reconstructive surgeons of developed countries widely perform forearm free flap, anteriolateral thigh free flap, fibula free flap, rectus abdominal free flap, latissimusdorsi free flap. We purpose to report our first 121 cases of Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer which had been performed at the head and neck surgical department, NCC of Mongolia. METHODS. The clinical records of first 121 cases patients who had microvascular reconstruction done between 2011 and 2017 were reviewed. The indications for surgery, choice of flap, duration of surgery and flap survival were noted. RESULTS. Our study were performed on 121 cases, among them 84.3% flaps were survived, most of defects occurred following cancer resection. Anterolateral thigh and radial forearm flaps were performed commonly for our reconstruction surgery. CONCLUSION. 84.3% free flap recorded success rate indicates our early experiences. Although the National Medical University do not have postgraduate reconstructive and plastic surgical training, we believe that meticulous planning, careful vessel selection, close flap monitoring as well as improved infrastructural support can lead us to much better success rates of microvascular reconstruction in our country.