Basal‐Cell Carcinoma Occurring in an Axilla: A Case Presentation and a Review of Factors Related to Tumor Development

Abstract

Abstract. A patient with basal‐cell epithelioma of the axillary vault is presented. The literature on possible etiologies of this tumor is also reviewed.

Axillary Basal Cell Carcinoma: Literature Survey and Case Report

“…The axilla is one of the rarest sites for BCC occurrence. An extensive review of the MEDLINE database, as well as numerous dermatology and dermatopathology textbooks, revealed only 14 previously documented cases of axillary BCC (Table 1) 1,3–9 . The case we present represents the 15th.…”

“…One patient received radiation therapy 20 years earlier (total 2484 rads) for axillary hidradenitis suppurativa 4 . As indicated above, artificial ionizing radiation is an uncommon, though well‐documented risk factor for BCC development 4,7 . The patient had no other history of skin cancer.…”

“…Sun exposure would seem to be an insignificant factor when considering primary axillary BCCs. Certainly a number of other factors have been implicated in the development of BCC, such as exposure to artificial ionizing radiation, arsenic, trauma, chronic inflammation, hamartomas, and immune deficiency 4,7 . However, these risk factors are seldom present when large cohorts of patients with BCC are carefully examined for causal associations 14 .…”

“…The incidence of BCC in typically sun‐protected sites such as the axilla is considerably less. An exhaustive literature review revealed only 14 previously documented axillary BCCs, among the tens of thousands of BCCs reported 1–9 …”

Axillary Basal Cell Carcinoma

“…In the general population, the estimated lifetime risk of developing BCC is approaching 30% 4 . Epidemiologic data and experimental evidence have implicated UV radiation, specifically UVB (290–320 nm), as the primary inducer of this type of skin cancer 5,6 . As a result, 80–90% of BCCs are found on the head and neck areas 7–11 .…”