Late recurrent basal cell carcinoma presenting as a unilateral exophthalmos

A late recurrent basal cell carcinoma which presented as a unilateral exophthalmos is described. Published surgical protocols of the 1960's advocated deferring further treatment for incompletely excised cutaneous basal cell carcinoma unless there was clinical evidence of tumor recurrence. Our patient demonstrates that this approach may result in late, unusual, and fatal patterns of recurrence. Complete excision of primary basal cell carcinoma is advocated.