Giant basal cell carcinoma: clinical–histological characteristics of 115 cases

Abstract

Introduction Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a tumor ≥5 cm in size, with aggressive biological behavior, that represents 1% of basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and studies regarding it are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the clinical–histopathological characteristics of GBCC and the risk factors associated with its development. Methods A retrospective study over 8 years included patients with the clinical and histopathological diagnosis of GBCC. Age, sex, localization, size, evolution time, risk factors, and histological variants were compared to conventional BCC. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of 5958 patients with BCC, 115 (2%) of them corresponded to GBCC. The average patient age was 73 ± 11 years, and the male sex (52%) and localization on the head and neck (63%) predominated. Average tumor size was 6.6 ± 2.2 cm, evolution time was 96 ± 86 months, and high‐grade histological variants (51%) predominated. The group with GBCC had higher age (P < 0.01), greater frequency in the male sex (P = 0.01), longer evolution time (P < 0.01); a greater prevalence of risk factors (24% vs. 16%, P = 0.01), antecedents of other types of cancer (P = 0.03), and of burns (P = 0.03); and a greater frequency of high‐grade histological variants (51% vs. 29%, P < 0.01). Conclusions This is the largest series of GBCC published to date. Findings are similar to those previously reported, although the prevalence found here was greater.

Analysis of the occurrence and distribution of primary and recurrent basal cell carcinoma of head and neck coupled to the assessment of tumor microenvironment and Sonic hedgehog signaling

“…In many studies reviewed, men were affected more often than women, whereas the reported age was over 60 years at the first presentation [ 1 , 43 , 44 ]. We found the gender distribution similar to that reported by Mawardi et al [ 45 ] and demonstrating female predominance, whereas the age at the time of diagnosis was similar comparing this study to former ones.…”

A lobulated mass on the upper back with prominent vasculature: A giant basal cell carcinoma

“…4,[6][7][8][9][10] Relative to smaller tumors, giant BCCs are more likely to be of a histologically aggressive subtype (morpheaform, micronodular, metatypical) and are more likely to recur following simple excision. 1,3 In contrast to the very low metastatic incidence of BCCs overall (0.03%), the rate has been reported to be as high as 45% in tumors greater than 10 cm and 100% in tumors greater than 25 cm. 11 The most common sites of metastasis are the lymph nodes and lungs, with a mean survival after metastatic spread of only 8-14 months.…”

“…1 Giant basal cell carcinoma is the term used to describe a BCC greater than 5 cm. [1][2][3] Most basal cell carcinomas are small lesions with only 0.5% meeting the size criteria for a giant lesion. 4 Giant basal cell carcinomas are most common in elderly males and show a predilection for the head, neck, and upper back.…”

“…4 Giant basal cell carcinomas are most common in elderly males and show a predilection for the head, neck, and upper back. 1,3,5 We present a man with symptomatic iron deficiency anemia caused by a giant BCC.…”

Axial flap for giant basal cell carcinoma of the anterior chest wall: Case report

“…GBCC located in the anterior chest wall is rare. GBCC therapy requires multidisciplinary approach to prevent recurrences and to achieve aesthetic result [5] , [6] , [7] .This study has been reported in accordance with the SCARE criteria and a written informed consent was taken from the patient for publication of this writing and images [8] .…”