Lethal giant basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common malignancy in Caucasian populations with a very low predisposition to metastatic disease and an excellent prognosis if appropriately treated. Given the rarity of a lethal outcome two cases are reported. Case 1: A 61-year-old reclusive man who had an untreated facial basal cell carcinoma for 10 years died of hypothermia and sepsis complicating the extensively ulcerated and infected tumour. He also had underlying cardiomegaly, ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Case 2: A 60-year-old man who had an untreated lower lumbar basal cell carcinoma for 14 years died of sepsis, inanition and pulmonary thromboembolism (due to a right-sided deep venous thrombosis) complicating the deeply ulcerated tumour. Untreated giant basal cell carcinoma may uncommonly present for medicolegal assessment with complex pathophysiological lethal mechanisms. The possibility of Diogenes syndrome should be considered.

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

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is characterized by slow but locally invasive growth. Although there is low metastatic potential, if not treated early, these skin cancers can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we present a man with a neglected BCC that developed into what is termed a giant BCC or one that is greater than 5 cm. This tumor was discovered only upon workup of orthostatic lightheadedness and iron deficiency anemia. Although rare, basal cell carcinoma must be included on the differential of a large cutaneous lesion and may be a source of significant blood loss.

Aggressive progression of a facial super giant basal cell carcinoma

Super giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare oncological entity. A 52-year-old man with a history of a left upper facial lesion for 11 years was transferred to our facility seeking an evaluation. He frequented multiple hospitals where he was treated with antibiotics for this condition. He reported having the Mohs procedure 8 months prior to this hospital visit but he did not follow-up with the other institution. The physical examination revealed an ulcer involving the upper left orbito-fronto-parieto-temporal area with bone exposure. Both CT and MRI of the face and the brain demonstrated dehiscence of the left lateral orbital roof and left frontal bone. The biopsy confirmed advanced BCC. He was discharged against medical advice and lost to follow-up. He returned 1 month later with left eye discharge and vision loss. He was diagnosed with cerebral abscess, treated with antibiotics and discharged to hospice.

Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp with Intracranial Invasion: MRI Findings with Tract Visualisation

A rare case of recurrent basal cell carcinoma in the scalp that infiltrated multiple intracranial structures is presented. Basal cell carcinoma represents one of the most frequent malignant nonmelanotic skin neoplasms, but the majority of them have no aggressive and recurrent behaviour. The aim of this case report is to provide an overview of the main clinical and radiologic features of basal cell carcinoma, focusing on the conventional and advanced (tractography) MRI findings and providing an overview of treatment and prognosis.