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Case Reports
. 2011 Sep;23 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S96-9.
doi: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.S1.S96. Epub 2011 Sep 30.

Large superficial Basal cell carcinoma arising in the scalp

Min Soo Jang  1 , Jae Woo Baek, Jong Bin Park, Dong Young Kang, Jin Seuk Kang, Kee Suck Suh, Sang Tae Kim
Affiliations
Case Reports

Large superficial Basal cell carcinoma arising in the scalp

Min Soo Jang et al. Ann Dermatol. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a rare sub-type of basal cell carcinoma, can frequently occur in younger patients. This cancer type preferentially develops on the trunk. However, other subtypes of BCC can occur in the head and neck, probably secondary to sunlight exposure. Especially, sBCC on the scalp has been rarely-reported, accounting for 0.7~0.8% of all sBCC cases. We report a case of 71-year-old female with a large sBCC of the scalp, an unusual site of sBCC.

Keywords: Scalp; Superficial basal cell carcinoma.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(A) Localized mild tender violaceous to blackish 6.5×6.5 cm-sized plaque with a slightly raised and irregular border. (B) Clinical improvement was noted after 12 weeks of imiquimod treatment. (C) Targeted biopsy (green circle) performed on the blackish area after application of imiquimod for 16 weeks. (D) Three months after the termination of additional photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid, the lesion showed clinically complete remission.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(A) Initial biopsy specimen prior to imiquimod application, showing irregular proliferation of tumor tissue with palisading peripheral cells (H&E, ×100). (B) Marked reduction of tumor tissue after 12 weeks of imiquimod treatment (H&E, ×40). (C) Targeted biopsy specimen after 16 weeks of treatment showing excised tumor tissue with a free margin (H&E, ×40). (D) No tumor cells were found 3 months after the photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid (H&E, ×100).
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