Multiple Foci of Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising in Rhinophyma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Rhinophyma is a benign condition caused by the excessive growth of sebaceous glands in the nasal tissue, presenting with symptoms such as nasal hypertrophy, erythema, and papules. Cases of basal cell carcinoma in rhinophyma have been reported in literature, but its etiological role remains unclear. It is uncertain whether rhinophyma is predisposed to neoplasm development or if their coexistence is coincidental.

Material and method: We conducted a literature survey to identify such cases reported over the years.

Results: We identified 22 studies reporting a total of 47 cases in the literature, all involving male patients. The most common pattern of occurrence was the rapid growth of a nodular formation within the context of rhinophyma.

Discussions and conclusion: The elucidation of the association between basal cell carcinoma and rhinophyma remains challenging. The presence of multiple foci supports the theory that rhinophyma may play a role in their development, but larger studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; Basocellular cancer; Case report; Rhinophyma.

Figure 1

Preoperative appearance.

Figure 2a-c

Histological findings. Histological examination results showing sebaceous gland hypertrophy, follicular plugging, and peri-infundibular lymphocytic inflammation, consistent with the diagnosis of rhinophyma (A and B, hematoxylin and eosin stain, original magnification 20 ×). In this morphological setting, a superficial basal cell carcinoma is present (B, yellow star). The typical morphological findings of basal cell carcinoma are shown in (C), including epidermal attachment of neoplastic lobules, peripheral palisading, and cleft formation between tumor lobules and stroma (C, hematoxylin and eosin stain, original magnification 200 ×).

Figure 3a-b

Postoperative appearance.