Metastatic giant basal cell carcinoma: a case report

Pan Afr Med J. 2016 Jun 22:24:157. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.157.9233. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, characterised by a slow growing behavior, metastasis are extremely rare, and it occurs in less than 0, 1% of all cases. Giant basal cell carcinoma is a rare form of basal cell carcinoma, more aggressive and defined as a tumor measuring more than 5 cm at its largest diameter. Only 1% of all basal cell carcinoma develops to a giant basal cell carcinoma, resulting of patient's negligence. Giant basal cell carcinoma is associated with higher potential of metastasis and even death, compared to ordinary basal cell carcinoma. We report a case of giant basal cell carcinoma metastaticin lung occurring in a 79 years old male patient, with a fatal evolution after one course of systemic chemotherapy. Giant basal cell carcinoma is a very rare entity, early detection of these tumors could prevent metastasis occurrence and improve the prognosis of this malignancy.

Keywords: Giant basal cell carcinoma; metastasis; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents