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Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp Following Synthetic Hair Implantation: A Structured Narrative Review and the Seventh Case Reported in Literature

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Synthetic hair implantation was previously employed as a cosmetic treatment for androgenic alopecia but has been associated with delayed complications related to chronic foreign body reactions. We report a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma arising on the scalp at the site of prior synthetic hair implantation, many years after the initial procedure. The patient presented with a persistent, non-healing scalp lesion associated with recurrent inflammation and scarring in the area of previous implantation. Clinical evaluation and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, necessitating surgical management and reconstruction. This case draws attention to a potential long-term malignant complication of synthetic hair grafting and underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when assessing chronic or recurrent scalp lesions in patients with a history of this procedure.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.106938

Authors: Leonardo Brambilla, Matilde Mantovani, Giorgio E Pajardi, Andrea Di Cristofori, Andrea Marchesi

Institutions: University of Milan, Ospedale San Giuseppe

Language: English

Topic: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7154185901

FWCI:

Cites: 11

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