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Giant basal cell carcinoma surgical management and reconstructive challenges
Phillip L Lackey1, Larry A Sargent, Lesley Wong
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|May 2, 2007
Summary
Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) are rare but treatable. Aggressive surgical excision and reconstruction offer effective treatment with no recurrence in a 29-month follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is common, but giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) exceeding 5 cm are rare.
- GBCCs often present on the face or scalp, frequently associated with patient neglect or underlying medical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the treatment outcomes of giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) managed with aggressive surgical excision and reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 GBCCs in 8 patients treated surgically.
- Reconstruction methods included free-tissue transfer, pedicled musculocutaneous flaps, and rotational skin flaps.
Main Results:
- All 10 large defects were successfully reconstructed in a single operative procedure.
- Mean follow-up of 29 months showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.
- Treatment resulted in acceptable cosmetic outcomes with few complications.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive surgical excision and single-stage reconstruction is the treatment of choice for GBCCs.
- This approach provides good oncologic control and satisfactory cosmetic results for rare, large basal cell carcinomas.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing GBCCs effectively.
