Super giant basal cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall: still possible in the 21st century

A super-giant basal cell carcinoma of the scalp

Basal cell carcinoma is a malignant skin cancer, originating from basal cells. However, it is regarded more benign than other skin cancers, in the majority of the cases. If left untreated, it can lead to various complications, degradation of quality of life and even mortality to the patient. A basal cell carcinoma with one dimension more than 20 cm, is defined as super-giant. In this report, we present a case of a super-giant basal cell carcinoma occupying most of the scalp in an elderly patient, causing him severe anemia and general malaise.

Super giant basal cell carcinoma: a comprehensive systematic review

Super giant basal cell carcinoma (SGBCC), defined as greater than 20 cm in diameter, is a rare oncological entity, with scarce literature. The authors conducted a review to characterize SGBCC, specifically with regards to age, sex predilection, risk factors, geographical location, body site, metastasis, and treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted from 1972 to 2023. All abstracts, studies, and citations were reviewed. The initial result showed 47 281 articles and were filtered down for human, skin, English language, and SGBCC. The authors identified 20 case reports for our analysis. The sample size was too small to conduct extensive statistical analysis. Majority of the cases were reported in North America and Europe. Males outnumbered almost females 2:1. The mean age was 61 years. The lesion was located on trunk in 16 out of 20 cases. In 13 out of 20 years, the lesion had been present for more than 10 years and 7 out of 20 cases reported metastasis. Several reports documented low socioeconomic status and poor mental health. Regarding treatment, 11 patients underwent surgery, radiation was utilized in 6 patients and immunotherapy (Vismodegib) in 4 patients. Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to have a favorable prognosis, SGBCC is highly aggressive with ability to metastasize. Our review reveals SGBCC is commonly diagnosed in males in their sixth decade, present for more than 10 years duration, risk factors include low socioeconomic status and poor mental health, commonly found on the trunk with a predilection for metastasis. The authors believe self-neglect is the likely etiology of the large size. Treatment options may be multimodal with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy (Vismodegib).

Metastatic insidious super giant basal cell carcinoma

A middle-aged woman presented with a mechanical fall. Physical examination revealed a massive purulent ulcerated lesion spanning her entire back and axilla, which had reportedly been brewing for over a decade. Punch biopsy revealed infiltrative basal cell carcinoma. She was treated with Vismodegib, with a remarkable decrease in the size of the cancer. However, surveillance imaging after 6 months of treatment revealed new bone metastases. In the setting of progressive disease, medical therapy was switched to cemiplimab instead. Basal cell carcinoma is commonly known as a benign tumour of the skin, rarely larger than 5 cm. Here, we discuss the entity of metastatic super giant basal cell carcinoma; this case is one of the largest reported lesions. As locoregional therapy, such as surgery is sometimes not appropriate for such advanced lesions, we discuss the current forefront of therapy including oral hedgehog pathway and check point inhibitors.

Neglected cutaneous skin malignancy: A patient with concurrent giant basal cell carcinoma and melanoma

Background

Giant basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are a rare subtype of BCC that grow to be greater than 5 cm in diameter. With the increase in size, there is a corresponding increase in metastatic rate and state of local invasion, with a clinical morphology that can be hard to differentiate from other subtypes of cutaneous malignancy. Although histologically equivalent to their common sub‐centimetre counterparts, giant BCCs can precipitate significant systematic medical morbidity as well as psychological trauma, and can be a real surgical reconstructive challenge to clinicians.

Aims

To add breadth to the existing cases in the literature, as well as a fresh patient perspective on the psychological challenges in a patient with Giant BCC.

Materials & Methods

A case from the Waikato Hospital, New Zealand referred to the Plastic and Reconstructive Department is carefully photographed, ordered, and presented.

Results

We present a case of a 15 cm giant BCC of the back existing alongside a neglected thick exophytic melanoma of the elbow in a patient who had been too embarrassed to approach healthcare professionals. These skin lesions were an incidental discovery by the general practitioner after the patient presented with symptoms of shortness of breath.

Discussion

Neglected skin cancers can fungate and be clinically morphologically confusing. Photographs of examples of these tumours can hone clinician awareness of the existance of Giant BCCs.

Conclusion

Giant BCCs are an entity yet to receive standardized treatment stratification. Prompt diagnosis and staging scans mean an expedited path to wide local excision and reconstruction, resulting in timely resolution of patients' immediate morbidity from their oncological disease burden.

Aggressive progression of a facial super giant basal cell carcinoma

Super giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare oncological entity. A 52-year-old man with a history of a left upper facial lesion for 11 years was transferred to our facility seeking an evaluation. He frequented multiple hospitals where he was treated with antibiotics for this condition. He reported having the Mohs procedure 8 months prior to this hospital visit but he did not follow-up with the other institution. The physical examination revealed an ulcer involving the upper left orbito-fronto-parieto-temporal area with bone exposure. Both CT and MRI of the face and the brain demonstrated dehiscence of the left lateral orbital roof and left frontal bone. The biopsy confirmed advanced BCC. He was discharged against medical advice and lost to follow-up. He returned 1 month later with left eye discharge and vision loss. He was diagnosed with cerebral abscess, treated with antibiotics and discharged to hospice.

A lobulated mass on the upper back with prominent vasculature: A giant basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is characterized by slow but locally invasive growth. Although there is low metastatic potential, if not treated early, these skin cancers can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we present a man with a neglected BCC that developed into what is termed a giant BCC or one that is greater than 5 cm. This tumor was discovered only upon workup of orthostatic lightheadedness and iron deficiency anemia. Although rare, basal cell carcinoma must be included on the differential of a large cutaneous lesion and may be a source of significant blood loss.

Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Including Advances in Molecular Therapeutics

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common type of malignant human tumor. In Europe, the incidence of BCC ranges from 44.6 to 128 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually, whereas in the United States, the yearly incidence rate ranges between 500 and 1500. The global incidence has been calculated to be as high as 10 million cases of BCC per year. There are 2 main clinical patterns of BCC-the familial BCC in basal cell nevus syndrome and sporadic BCC. The etiology of cutaneous BCC is usually the result of the interaction between solar ultraviolet radiation and genetic factors. Somatic or germline mutations in the effector components of the hedgehog signaling pathway (ie, PTCH1, PTCH2, SMO or SUFU genes) are responsible for ∼90% of the cases of both sporadic and familial BCC, all causing a constitutive activation of the hedgehog pathway. Cutaneous BCC very rarely metastasizes, and diagnosis in metastatic sites can be very difficult. Metastatic BCC has weakly effective therapeutic options with a poor prognosis until few years ago. In 2012, small-molecule therapies, involving inactivation of the hedgehog signaling pathway, and capable of reducing tumor growth and progression have been introduced into clinical practice for advanced (locally advanced or metastatic) BCC. We performed a comprehensive literature review on metastatic BCC and found at least 915 cases reported to date. In addition, we extensively discussed the differential diagnosis of metastatic BCC, and outlined the advances in clinical therapeutics involving these small molecules.

Super giant basal cell carcinoma in an autistic patient: A case report

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the world and is generally treated when small in size with an excellent prognosis. Rarely, basal cell carcinoma will grow to be larger than 5 cm, at which point they are termed giant basal cell carcinoma. Giant basal cell carcinoma comprises only 0.5% of all basal cell carcinoma, but is associated with impaired quality of life and increased risk of metastasis. When a basal cell carcinoma grows to over 20 cm in size, it is termed super giant basal cell carcinoma. Here, we report a case of both a super-giant basal cell carcinoma and a giant basal cell carcinoma developing over 10–12 years on the upper back and anterior chest wall of an autistic male. Generally, this presentation is associated with neglect on the part of the patient. This case report demonstrates a super-giant basal cell carcinoma developing secondary to patient neglect in the context of comorbid mental illness.

Versatility of the O-Z flap for back reconstruction after giant basal cell carcinoma resection: A case report and review of the literature

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Giant basal cell carcinomas are rare and potentially aggressive tumors.

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Aggressive surgical resection with suggested wide free margins is suggested.

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Soft tissue reconstruction for back lesions may be challenging.

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The O-Z flap represents a safe and reliable alternative for back reconstruction.

Introduction

Giant basal cell carcinomas are rare and potentially aggressive skin malignancies that are infrequently reported in the Literature, and they usually require aggressive surgical resection and immediate soft tissue reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps. The large size of GBCCs has relevant implications not only for the metastatic potential, but even for the reconstructive challenging due to the possible limited availability of tissues for flap coverage.

Presentation of case

We report the peculiar case of an old patient who underwent to GBCC resection of the back measuring 16 × 13 cm, and immediate reconstruction with a large O to Z flap harvested from the back; one-year follow-up examination revealed a satisfactory result and no recurrence of the disease was observed.

Discussion

The review of the Literature showed that reconstructive options are mainly determined by the site and extent of the defect, exposed structures and patient characteristics and comorbidities, and previous series reported the use of skin grafts only, pedicled myocutaneous or perforator flaps, exclusively free flaps and a combination of techniques. Therefore, in this scenario local flaps such as O-Z flaps are less invasive procedures, that usually have lower rate of postoperative complications and shorter hospitalization compared to more complex procedures.

Conclusions

Despite the use of O-Z flap is quite unusual for back reconstruction, we believe that this flap represents a valid and safe alternative in selected cases, particularly in the elderly and medically compromised patients with multiple comorbidities.

Giant basal cell carcinoma: clinical-histological characteristics of 115 cases

INTRODUCTION

Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a tumor ≥5 cm in size, with aggressive biological behavior, that represents 1% of basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and studies regarding it are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the clinical-histopathological characteristics of GBCC and the risk factors associated with its development.

METHODS

A retrospective study over 8 years included patients with the clinical and histopathological diagnosis of GBCC. Age, sex, localization, size, evolution time, risk factors, and histological variants were compared to conventional BCC. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of 5958 patients with BCC, 115 (2%) of them corresponded to GBCC. The average patient age was 73 ± 11 years, and the male sex (52%) and localization on the head and neck (63%) predominated. Average tumor size was 6.6 ± 2.2 cm, evolution time was 96 ± 86 months, and high-grade histological variants (51%) predominated. The group with GBCC had higher age (P < 0.01), greater frequency in the male sex (P = 0.01), longer evolution time (P < 0.01); a greater prevalence of risk factors (24% vs. 16%, P = 0.01), antecedents of other types of cancer (P = 0.03), and of burns (P = 0.03); and a greater frequency of high-grade histological variants (51% vs. 29%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series of GBCC published to date. Findings are similar to those previously reported, although the prevalence found here was greater.

A Rare Case of Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Abdominal Wall: Excision and Immediate Reconstruction with a Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flap

Patient: Female, 82

Final Diagnosis: Giant basal cell carcinoma

Symptoms: Anemia

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Plastic Surgery

Extraordinary Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma with Full-Thickness Infiltration of the Abdominal Wall: Single-Staged Resection and Simultaneous Reconstruction

Background:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent form of invasive skin cancer. BCCs usually show a slow progression and rarely metastasize; however, around 1% achieve a “giant” size, larger than 5 cm in diameter. Rarely, BCCs larger than 20 cm are reported in the literature.

Objective:

We report a case of a giant BCC, measuring 25 × 13 × 5 cm, involving the abdominal wall. The article describes the curative surgical procedure, which resulted in an excellent aesthetic result.