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Giant polypoid basal cell carcinoma
J McElroy1, T E Knight, L Chang-Stroman
1University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, USA.
Cutis
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Giant basal cell carcinomas, often neglected, can grow large. The rare polypoid subtype presents distinct features and is typically treatable with surgery, showing low metastatic potential.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can reach giant sizes (≥5 cm) due to recurrence and neglect.
- Four clinical subtypes exist: noduloulcerative, morpheaform, superficial, and polypoid.
Observation:
- A case of a giant polypoid basal cell carcinoma on the shoulder, present for 15 years, is presented.
- This polypoid variant typically appears on the torso or extremities as a friable, exophytic mass.
Findings:
- Polypoid BCCs differ from other giant subtypes by location (torso/extremity vs. head/neck).
- These lesions are often untreated initially and histologically tend to be nonaggressive.
- Surgical cure is achievable with a low potential for metastasis.
Implications:
- Recognizing the distinct characteristics of the polypoid subtype is crucial for appropriate management.
- Giant BCCs, particularly the polypoid variant, may have a favorable prognosis with timely surgical intervention.