Giant Basal Cell Carcinomas: Report of Four Cases and Considerations

Abstract

Four cases of giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are reported and the problems of giant BCCs are briefly discussed. In particular, we consider the relationship between the size of the tumor and its clinical behaviour. The importance of the site location in tumor development the histologic subtypes involved, the associated findings, and problems of treatment are also discussed.

T 4 basal cell carcinoma of the forearm

“…In the literature, so-called giant basal cell carcinomas are infrequently reported and are associated with poorer prognosis more often than smaller lesions [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. Frequently they are associated with multiple recurrences of previously treated smaller basal cell carcinomas, aggressive histological patterns, and a history of radiation exposure or patient neglect [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12].…”

“…Most are small (<1 cm in diameter), well-defined lesions that are easily diagnosed, treated, and cured by a variety of methods [4]. In a small subset of patients, giant basal cell carcinomas (>5 cm in diameter, T 3 ) are capable of extensive local invasion [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12].…”

“…Frequently they are associated with multiple recurrences of previously treated smaller basal cell carcinomas, aggressive histological patterns, and a history of radiation exposure or patient neglect [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12].…”

Giant Basal Cell Carcinomas Arising on the Bilateral Forearms of a Patient: A Case Report and Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options

“…While excision remains the widely acknowledged gold standard of treatment for GBCC [1, 2, 7], Table 1 summarizes various alternative therapies that have been reported in the medical literature and can be discussed with patients declining first-line surgical modalities [11, 12, 13, 14, 15]. Most of these medical therapies are affordable and easily dosed and have an acceptable side effect profile.…”

“…Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) measuring more than 5 cm constitute less than 1% of all basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) [1, 2]. Due to their large size and tendency to infiltrate neighboring muscle, nerve, and bone, these lesions are often disfiguring and disabling.…”