A giant basal cell carcinoma: A mushroom-like lesion on the rib cage

Abstract

Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) are rare neoplastic lesions with an incidence less than 0,5% and destructive capabilities higher than their precursors. Mushroom-like growth of cutaneous tumors described in 1806. by Albert, is still a rare phenomenon. GBCC's with mushroom-like macroscopic characteristics were hardly reported. We present a mushroom-like GBCC, treated successfully with wide surgical excision. An 85-year-old male with a progressively growing skin lesion was admitted to our clinic. He came seeking medical care with a bleeding painful skin lesion. The tumor developed from a small papule into an exophytic pedunculated lesion with a fetid, ulcerated, exudative surface. Physical examination revealed 7x5x1.5cm mushroom-like, exophytic, pedunculated mass with rolled borders and partial cutaneous necrosis, signs of secondary infection and bleeding. The lesion was surgically removed. Histopathology showed basal carcinoma cell (BCC). Two months post-operatively there was no signs of tumor recurrence and secondary metastases without a need for additional treatment. GBCCs can still be identified in the 21st century. It arises due to neglecting of the lesion, inconspicuous localization usually covered by clothing. Mushroom-like morphology is rare in BCCs. Treatment is usually surgical excision, with a high success rate and an improvement in quality of life.

Keywords

• carcinomabasalcell
• cutaneoussurgery
• reconstructive surgical procedure