Difficult to diagnose skin cancer--the 'aggressive' BCC

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are prevalent skin malignancies frequently encountered by general practitioners.
• This article provides a comprehensive overview of BCCs, including their varied presentations and management strategies.

Observation:

• Two case studies illustrate diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by aggressive BCC.
• Aggressive BCCs may exhibit subtle early clinical signs despite extensive invasion.

Findings:

• Complete surgical excision is generally the preferred treatment for BCC.
• Biopsies are crucial for guiding management, especially for lesions in sensitive cosmetic or functional areas.
• Recurrent BCCs can be challenging and disfiguring, often necessitating specialist intervention.

Implications:

• Timely and adequate biopsies are essential for effective BCC management.
• Long-term surveillance is critical, as BCCs can recur years post-treatment.
• Specialist consultation is advised for complex or aggressive BCC cases.