Basal cell carcinoma with lung metastasis diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin is one of the most common types of cancer. Its natural history is one of local recurrence rather than metastatic spread. Certain histologic features and primary tumor size seem to be risk factors for metastases. The diagnosis of metastatic disease imparts a poor prognosis with a short median survival. Treatment is usually in the form of systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin-based combination described as most active agent.