Clinical features, pathology, and surgical management of periocular giant basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are malignant tumors which rarely metastasize, are slow-growing, and extensively locally destructive. BCCs more than 5 cm in diameter are defined as giant. Most often they arise as a result of neglect, as the patient avoids, delays, or refuses to see a doctor. The large tumor diameter and consequently of the post-excisional defect make these lesions difficult to treat surgically with respect to selecting the surgical reconstruction technique. Method. We studied a group of 9 patients, aged 60 to 85 years, diagnosed with giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) with periocular location in which surgery was indicated. Results. In all cases, complete excision with histologically clear margins was performed and for the coverage of the remaining defect various, complex, and sometimes two-stage reconstructive techniques were used. Conclusions. Giant cell carcinoma of the periocular region requires extensive and risky surgery, especially when performed on the elderly. Early referral to a doctor avoids all these risks, in all cases the pathological diagnosis was nodular BCCs. The aesthetic and functional outcomes were good to very good, and the patients reported being highly satisfied.

Keywords

• basal cell carcinoma
• giant
• periocular region
• flap