Basal cell carcinoma: differences according to anatomic location and clinical-pathological subtypes

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human skin malignancy.
• Understanding BCC localization and clinical-pathological features is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if different clinical-pathological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occur with varying frequencies across distinct skin areas.
• To analyze the relationship between BCC subtypes and their anatomical locations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 306 patients diagnosed with BCC between January 2008 and December 2010.
• Tabulation and analysis of clinical-pathological findings based on BCC anatomical localization.
• Consideration of BCC subtypes: nodular, superficial, sclerodermiform, pearly, and ulcerative.

Main Results:

• BCC predominantly occurred on the head (64.4%), followed by the trunk (23.9%) and legs (7.9%).
• On the head, nodular BCC was most frequent (44.7%). On the trunk, superficial BCC was most common (34.3%).
• All 24 BCC cases on the legs presented as ulcerative lesions.

Conclusions:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) exhibits distinct clinical-pathological characteristics depending on the skin area of occurrence.
• A notably high percentage of BCC cases in this study were located on the legs, presenting as ulcerative lesions.
• Chronic leg ulcers with poor healing warrant a biopsy to rule out BCC and ensure appropriate surgical management for complete patient recovery.