Basal cell carcinoma arising from the scrotum: An understated entity

A systematic review of basal cell carcinoma on the scrotum-reviewing presentation and identifying challenges in management

Since the scrotum is rarely exposed to sunlight, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development in this area is an uncommon occurrence. As result, there is a scarcity of research covering this particular presentation, which poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The objective of this systematic review is to provide a thorough overview of scrotal BCC, including a summary of its clinical characteristics, and microscopic subtypes. It also seeks to discuss the many techniques used in the management of this uncommon clinical presentation. Utilizing data from 1957 to October 2023, a systematic review of PubMed and Wiley Online Library was conducted to identify all cases of scrotal BCC with various presentations and managements. A total of 73 patients were included. The median patient age was 65.9 years (range 42 to 87). All studies were either case reports or case series. Our review shows that treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), leads to a superior patient outcome based on anecdotal evidence in select cases. To deepen our understanding of Mohs surgery's efficacy in treating scrotal BCC, it is imperative to conduct more robust research in the form of randomized clinical trials.

Micronodular basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanotic skin cancer. It has variable clinical and histological subtypes that vary in their aggressiveness and liability to recurrence and metastasis. Chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for developing basal cell carcinoma; therefore, it typically arises on sun-exposed skin, mainly the head and neck.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a lesion on the scrotum for 2 years. The lesion was clinically presumed benign and initially treated with curettage. Microscopic examination revealed an incompletely resected micronodular basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, a second excisional biopsy was performed to completely excise the incidentally discovered malignant tumor.

Conclusion

We report the first case of micronodular basal cell carcinoma arising on the scrotum. The goal of our article is to draw clinicians’ attention to the possible involvement of unexposed skin with basal cell carcinoma, and we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due to the aggressive nature of micronodular basal cell carcinoma.