Defining and recognising locally advanced basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Rarely, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have the potential to become extensively invasive and destructive, a phenomenon that has led to the term "locally advanced BCC" (laBCC). We identified and described the diverse settings that could be considered "locally advanced".

Methods: The panel of experts included oncodermatologists, dermatological and maxillofacial surgeons, pathologists, radiotherapists and geriatricians. During a 1-day workshop session, an interactive flow/sequence of questions and inputs was debated.

Results: Discussion of nine cases permitted us to approach consensus concerning what constitutes laBCC. The expert panel retained three major components for the complete assessment of laBCC cases: factors of complexity related to the tumour itself, factors related to the operability and the technical procedure, and factors related to the patient. Competing risks of death should be precisely identified. To ensure homogeneous multidisciplinary team (MDT) decisions in different clinical settings, the panel aimed to develop a practical tool based on the three components.

Conclusion: The grid presented is not a definitive tool, but rather, it is a method for analysing the complexity of laBCC.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; definition; locally advanced.