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[Five patients with metastasized basal-cell carcinoma]
L W van Bockel1, D G van den Broecke, W Spliet
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Plastische Chirurgie, Huispostnummer G04.122, Postbus 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Metastatic basal-cell carcinoma, though rare, can occur, particularly with morphoeic subtypes. This study highlights treatment outcomes and the need for clear therapeutic guidelines for this aggressive skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer, rarely metastasizing.
- Metastatic BCC (mBCC) is infrequently reported, with an estimated incidence of 0.0028-0.55%.
Observation:
- Five cases of metastasised head BCC (morphoeic subtype) were treated between 1986-2001.
- Metastases occurred in lymph nodes, skeleton, parotid region, and lungs.
- Treatments included surgical excision and radiotherapy.
Findings:
- Two patients died; one from unrelated causes.
- Two patients achieved symptom-free status 24 months post-treatment.
- One patient remained under radiotherapy treatment.
Implications:
- The study underscores that BCC can metastasize, contrary to common assumptions.
- Tumor size is a significant risk factor for metastasis.
- Clear therapeutic guidelines are needed for mBCC due to its low incidence.