Basal cell carcinoma in childhood after radiation therapy: case report and review

Ann Plast Surg. 2004 Dec;53(6):593-5. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000136972.23991.07.

Abstract

We describe 2 patients who received ionizing radiation as part of a curative regimen for childhood malignancy which later developed basal cell carcinoma at an early age. They do not occur within the context of well-defined syndromes, such like basal cell nevus syndrome, albinism, or xeroderma pigmentosum. Basal cell carcinomas appears on radiated areas in older individuals, less often in younger patients, in which the period of latency between exposure to radiation and the appearance of basal cell carcinomas is shorter than in older patients. Our 2 cases presented a period of latency of 11 and 10 years. Radiated skin areas must be explored as part of the follow-up in children who received radiotherapy and should probably be maintained for life. The basal cell carcinoma in childhood is best treated by excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ependymoma / drug therapy
  • Ependymoma / radiotherapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / surgery
  • Neurofibromatoses / drug therapy
  • Neurofibromatoses / radiotherapy
  • Optic Nerve Glioma / drug therapy
  • Optic Nerve Glioma / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome