Basal cell carcinoma arising within nevus sebaceous on the right scalp in a 55-year-old male: A case report and review of literature

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Feb:45:103960. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103960. Epub 2024 Jan 6.

Abstract

We report here a case of nevus sebaceous in a 55-year-old male, who presented with a 50-year history of an asymptomatic swelling in his right scalp. The solitary, yellowish, expansile plaque over the scalp gradually became lobulated and turned dark-pigmented with spontaneous bleeding, itching discomfort, and occasional ulceration after scratching. The male's clinical presentation and histopathological findings were compatible with basal cell carcinoma arising in nevus sebaceous. At present, 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) emerges as a novel treatment modality which has proved safe and effective. In this case, three sessions of photodynamic therapy in combination with surgical excision were performed, leaving mild pigmentation within 3 weeks. The patient showed good cosmetic outcome, minimal scarring on the right scalp without further complications, disease recurrence or metastasis after ALA-PDT within six months.

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; Case report; Nevus sebaceous; Photodynamic therapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aminolevulinic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus*
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Scalp
  • Skin Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Aminolevulinic Acid