Basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin malignancy, are slow growing and rarely metastasize. They are seen most frequently in men over age 50, and more than 90% occur on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Cure rates approach 100%.
Basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin malignancy, are slow growing and rarely metastasize. They are seen most frequently in men over age 50, and more than 90% occur on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Cure rates approach 100%.
The three cases seen here are interesting because of their unusual locations. The pigmented basal cell carcinoma on the right lower eyelid of a 64-year-old man had been present for 4 years without any noticeable change (A). Shave excision produced excellent cosmetic results. A nodular, centrally pigmented basal cell carcinoma on a 74-year-old man's left nostril (B) was successfully treated by complete excision. An 84-year-old woman had had a nonpigmented basal cell carcinoma on her upper lip for several years, and it was now growing into the columella (C). She refused surgical excision.