Linear basal cell epithelioma

A 73-year-old Celtic man presented with a linear pigmented 20-mm lesion on the left infraorbital cheek (Fig. 1). Clinical impression was pigmented basal cell epithelioma. Removal was accomplished by linear excision under local anesthesia. The wound was closed with a running 5-0 nylon subcuticular suture, which was removed 6 days postoperatively. The cosmetic result was considered excellent (Fig. 2). Microscopic examination revealed nodular masses of basal neoplastic cells in the dermis typical of basal cell epithelioma. In the tumor and in the stroma were deposits of melanin, some of which were seen in melanophages. The lateral margins and base of transverse sections through the ellipse were free of tumor.