Basal cell carcinoma on the lower extremity

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer.
• BCCs typically occur on sun-exposed areas of the body.
• Lesions on the leg are considered uncommon, necessitating further investigation into their unique characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of basal cell carcinomas located on the leg.
• To identify risk factors and common presentations of leg BCCs.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes for leg BCCs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 648 patients diagnosed with BCC between 1987 and 1990.
• Analysis of patient demographics, skin type, geographic residence, sun exposure habits, lesion location, clinical recognition, histological subtype, and treatment modality.
• Statistical analysis to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one out of 648 patients (3.2%) had BCCs on the leg.
• The female-to-male ratio was 1.6:1.
• The majority of patients had Fitzpatrick skin types I or II and a history of extensive recreational sun exposure, particularly activities involving leg exposure.
• Lesions were most frequently located on the anterior lower leg, clinically recognized, and histologically classified as superficial BCC.
• Treatment involved electrodesiccation and curettage or surgical excision.

Conclusions:

• Basal cell carcinomas on the leg, though uncommon, share some characteristics with BCCs on other body sites, such as association with fair skin and sun exposure.
• The anterior lower leg appears to be a common site for leg BCCs.
• Superficial BCC is the predominant histological subtype.
• Standard treatment modalities like electrodesiccation and curettage or excision are effective.