Different histopathologic profiles and outcomes between sun-exposed BCC and non-sun-exposed BCC

Giant basal cell carcinoma in a non-sun exposed area with four years follow-up: a case report

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a low-grade malignant tumor that if properly managed has an excellent prognosis. Development of BCC outside the skin areas exposed to sun rays is infrequent. Giant BCC is a rare entity, especially in unexposed areas of the body. It carries a considerable implication on patients' quality of life because of the risk of being a source of infection that may progress to severe sepsis and/or metastasis. An old female presented with a long-standing solitary lesion measuring 7.5x6 cm overlaying the lumber 4-5 vertebral region about 2.5 cm from the line of the sacral promontory. No lymph nodes or distant metastases were detected. For many years, it was misdiagnosed by other physicians as eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infection and accordingly failed to respond to treatment. A histopathological examination of lesional punch biopsy assured the diagnosis of giant superficially spreading BCC. The lesion was excised with a circumferential safety margin of about 5 mm. During the follow-up period of 4 years, no recurrence was detected. Despite being a long-standing Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) in a sun-hidden skin area, the growth behaved as a locally malignant lesion without metastasizing. A wide local surgical excision of the GBCC with 5 mm safety margins was feasible, safe, and with a good aesthetic outcome. Importantly, family practitioners should avoid such missed cases through accuracy in their diagnosis and early referral of any atypical cases to a dermatologist.

The Importance of Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Stratification and Potential Future Pathways

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer. Although there are surgical and topical treatments available, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, leading to higher costs. What is needed is an accurate risk assessment of BCC so that treatments can be planned in a patient-centered manner.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we will review the literature about guidelines for the management of BCC and analyze the potential indicators of high-risk BCC. Using this risk assessment approach, we will propose pathways that will be able to optimize treatments more efficiently.

METHODS

This paper presents a perspective from a skin cancer expert and clinic involved in the treatment of both simple and complex cases of BCC. It addresses the key challenges associated with accurate risk stratification prior to any treatment or procedure. Different immunohistochemical and angiogenic markers for high-risk BCC were reviewed in this study.

RESULTS

The expression of interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and mast cells within BCC correlates with its aggressiveness. Other immunohistochemical markers, such as Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, also play a significant role-Cyclin D1 is higher in the aggressive BCC, while Bcl-2 is lower in the aggressive BCC, compared to the nonaggressive variants.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our research, we will conclude that using immunohistochemical and angiogenic markers for risk assessment and stratification of BCC can help optimize treatment, ensuring that surgical procedures are used only when necessary.

Adequacy of surgical margins, re-excision, and evaluation of factors associated with recurrence: a retrospective study of 769 basal cell carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Achieving adequate surgical margins and preventing recurrence are important in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adequacy of surgical margins and the re-excision rates in patients with primary BCC who underwent standard surgical treatment using our proposed algorithm and to define the risk factors in patients with recurrent BCC.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BCC were reviewed. An algorithm created based on previous literature was used to determine the distribution of optimal surgical margins adequacy and re-excision rates.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed between the cases with and without recurrence in age at diagnosis (p=0.004), tumor size (p=0.023), tumor location in the H zone of the face (p=0.005), and aggressive histopathological subtype (p=0.000). When the tumors were evaluated for adequacy of deep and lateral surgical margins and re-excision rates, higher rates of adequate excision (457 cases, 68.0%) and re-excision (43 cases, 33.9%) were noted for tumors in the H or M zone.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

Inadequate follow-up of newly diagnosed patients in terms of recurrence and metastasis and the retrospective application of our proposed algorithm are the limitations of the present study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that if BCC was detected at an early age and at an early stage, recurrence was lower. The H and M zones were the regions with the highest rates of optimal surgical outcomes.