Basal cell carcinoma arising over facial port wine stain: a single-centre experience

Abstract

Background: A growing number of reports point to a possible connection between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and port wine stain (PWS). Researchers suggest that either the elevated temperature induced by the increased dermal vasculature or an oncogenic factor produced by the ectatic vessels makes the overlying epidermis more susceptible to ultraviolet or ionizing radiation.

Objective: To check the prevalence of BCC in patients with PWS at a large national vascular amomalies centre.

Methods: The study group included 68 patients, 44 women and 24 men, with facial PWSs. Detailed data were collected on background features, past treatments and past exposure to radiation, and a comprehensive physical examination was performed. Biopsy samples were taken from suspect lesions for histological study.

Results: Four patients (5.9%) were found to have histologically proven BCC, 3 nodular and one multifocal. All had been exposed to radiation during childhood. Treatment consisted of excision; there was one recurrence.

Conclusion: Although the co-occurrence of BCC and PWS is probably related to radiation treatment in childhood, these findings should alert physicians to regularly examine PWSs for cancerous changes, especially in patients at risk.