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Giant basal cell carcinoma
Archives of Dermatology
|March 1, 1977
Summary
This study details rare, giant basal cell carcinomas on the back, distinct from typical head and neck tumors. These unique skin cancers presented diagnostic challenges but were successfully treated with surgery in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) typically affects the head and neck.
- BCC is generally slow-growing and rarely metastasizes.
Observation:
- A 20-year study identified three unique, large basal cell tumors on the back.
- These tumors presented as large, exophytic, sessile plaques (up to 20 cm).
- One case involved extensive ulceration, lumbar skin destruction, and muscle invasion with regional node metastasis.
Findings:
- Histologically, all primary lesions were adenoid basal cell carcinomas with a mucinous stroma.
- Histochemistry showed minimal respiratory enzymes and no specific esterolytic or lysosomal enzymes.
- Regional node metastases confirmed BCC in the invasive case.
Implications:
- This study highlights a rare, giant variant of basal cell carcinoma.
- These tumors pose diagnostic challenges due to their size, location, and presentation.
- Surgical intervention proved curative for three of the four observed cases.