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. 2021 Apr 7;13(1):9046.
doi: 10.4081/dr.2021.9046. eCollection 2021 Mar 18.

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

Elysha M Kolitz  1 , Brian L Scott  2 , Travis Vandergriff  3 , Melissa Mauskar  3   4
Affiliations

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

Elysha M Kolitz et al. Dermatol Reports. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; cutaneous neoplasm; giant; hedgehog inhibitors; super giant.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Clinical photograph. Gross view of mass on upper back demonstrating the pink-violaceous, lobulated, shiny surface with prominent vasculature extending from the inferolateral surfaces.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Clinical photograph. Gross view of upper back after surgical excision of mass demonstrating a large defect with exposed musculature.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Skin histopathology. Hematoxylin & Eosin stain of a shave biopsy specimen at 100× magnification demonstrating a basaloid nodule in the dermis, with peripheral palisading of nuclei and retraction between tumor and stroma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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