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Case Reports
. 2011:2011:392151.
doi: 10.1155/2011/392151. Epub 2010 Nov 25.

Neglected Basal cell carcinomas in the 21st century

Erika Varga  1 , Irma Korom, Zoltán Raskó, Erika Kis, János Varga, Judit Oláh, Lajos Kemény
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neglected Basal cell carcinomas in the 21st century

Erika Varga et al. J Skin Cancer. 2011.

Abstract

Although tumors on the surface of the skin are considered to be easily recognizable, neglected advanced skin neoplasms are encountered even in the 21st century. There can be numerous causes of the delay in the diagnosis: fear of the diagnosis and the treatment, becoming accustomed to a slowly growing tumor, old age, a low social milieu, and an inadequate hygienic culture are among the factors leading some people not to seek medical advice. The treatment of such advanced neoplasms is usually challenging. The therapy of neglected cases demands an individual multidisciplinary approach and teamwork. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cutaneous tumor, usually develops in the elderly, grows slowly, and has an extremely low metastatic potential; these factors are suggesting that BCCs might well be the "ideal candidates" for neglected tumors. Five neglected advanced cases of BCC were diagnosed in our dermatological institute between 2000 and 2009. The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities of these neoplasms are discussed, together with the possible causes of the neglect.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Case 1: A mutilating tumor on the right side of the patient's face.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case 1: The histopathology of the first biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of BCC.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case 1: The patient is tumor-free, but his face has not been reconstructed functionally or esthetically.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Case 2: An ulcerated tumor in the right parieto-occipital region, with bone destruction.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Case 3: An exophytic, ulcerated tumor mass in the middle of the back, with suppurative inflammation and abscess formation.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Case 4: An ulcerated tumor on the patient's presternal area.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Case 5: A BCC on the right side of the neck and two smaller SCCs in the preauricular region and on the ear.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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