[Local malignancy potential of basal cell and prickle cell epithelioma]

A series of over 300 cases of highly malignant basal and prickle-cell epitheliomas is presented as an illustration of the way in which due importance is not always given to forms that may well be deeply invasive, though these are only some of the epitheliomas that may be encountered. The particular nature of each formation is not always evident at first and may be the cause of its further progression. High malignancy is more common in cases of recurrence and poor management, so that ineffective attempts at treatment may be seen as a contributing factor. Of course, when treatment has been correct, failure and subsequent recurrence may point to primary "predisposition" to recur; this tendency cannot yet be detected in time or with precision. Local malignancy is often independent of the type of epithelioma involved. Indeed, it is more serious and difficult to combat in the case of basal cell forms on first recurrence and resistance to proper management, whereas in prickle-cell epithelioma, when distant metastasis is prevented, local invasiveness is frequently conquered by truly radical surgery.