Aggressive basal cell carcinoma of the scalp

Lethal basal cell carcinoma secondary to cerebral invasion

“…There have only been 7 other similar cases previously reported in the literature (Table I). [7][8][9][10][11][12] Although destructive BCCs occur most commonly because of years of neglect by the patient, a different type of aggressive BCC has been described as disproportionately occurring on the scalp in young adults. These rare tumors advance quickly, invade deeply into underlying structures, are resistant to treatment, and often result in death.…”

“…Several reports describe individuals, the majority of whom are younger than 40 years, with large aggressive BCCs on the scalp. 9,[11][12][13] The name ''horrifying BCC'' of the scalp has been applied to this specific type of tumor. 14 At the time of surgical excision, the majority of these tumors have invaded through the scalp and into the calvarium; however, few have reached the intracranial structures.…”

Scalp basal cell carcinoma: A different entity?

“…Moreover, as BCCs can be locally invasive, the radiological evaluation of scalp BCCs should be performed prior to surgery to rule out any bony or intracranial invasion (Mathieu & Fortin, 2005). These aggressive scalp tumors have been previously reported by Gormley and Hirsch (1978); its invasive patterns included fat, muscle, fascia, and bone invasion, a diffusely infiltrating pattern with a fibrotic stromal response, rare intraepidermal tumor nests, formation of occasional duct-like structures, poor cellular cohesion with single-life invasion through dermal collagen, perineural invasion, and pleomorphism with varying nuclear cytoplasmic ratios.…”

Aggressive and Neglected Basal Cell Carcinoma

“…These combined features accounted for this patient's poor prognosis. [2][3][4] Facial palsy is a sign of a pathologic process involving the seventh cranial nerve. There are many factors that cause facial palsy, but facial palsy owing to BCC is very uncommon.…”