Metastatic giant basal cell carcinoma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, typically slow-growing with rare metastasis.
• Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare subtype (>5 cm diameter), more aggressive, and develops in 1% of BCC cases, often due to negligence.

Observation:

• A case of a 79-year-old male with metastatic giant basal cell carcinoma to the lung is presented.
• The patient experienced a fatal outcome after one course of systemic chemotherapy.

Findings:

• Giant basal cell carcinoma exhibits a higher metastatic potential and mortality risk compared to ordinary BCC.
• Metastasis in GBCC, even to distant organs like the lung, can have a poor prognosis despite treatment.

Implications:

• Early detection and prompt treatment of giant basal cell carcinoma are critical for preventing metastasis.
• This case underscores the aggressive nature of GBCC and the need for improved therapeutic strategies.