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Regression of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Report of Four Cases with Clinicopathologic Correlation
Martina C Herwig-Carl1, Karin U Loeffler1
1Division of Ophthalmic Pathology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Objectives:
To describe the spectrum of clinical and histopathological features of a case series of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with spontaneous regression and to discuss this phenomenon.
Method:
Four cases of BCC with complete/substantial regression were retrospectively identified. Patients' records were analyzed for demographic data, clinical appearance, and the postoperative course. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff.
Results:
Complete (n = 1) or partial (n = 3) regression of BCC was observed in 4 patients. Two lesions at the medial canthus were histologically diagnosed as nodular BCC with significant regression. One lesion at the lower eyelid exhibited a complete regression which did not require surgical intervention. The other lesion at the lower eyelid presenting with ulceration and madarosis was excised. Scar tissue without evidence for a neoplasm was present histologically. Subsequently, the patient developed a recurrence with a histologically proven micronodular BCC.
Conclusions:
BCC can show spontaneous substantial or complete regression. Histological tumor absence in lesions which are clinically suspicious for a neoplasm can be a hint for a regressive BCC. Recurrences may develop from remaining tumor islands warranting periodical clinical visits in cases of clinically as well as histologically suspected regressive BCC.
