Ann Dermatol.  2011 Sep;23(Suppl 1):S96-S99. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.S1.S96.

Large Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising in the Scalp

• Jang MS
• Baek JW
• Park JB
• Kang DY
• Kang JS
• Suh KS
• Kim ST

• KMID: 2156762
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.S1.S96

Abstract

Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a rare sub-type of basal cell carcinoma, can frequently occur in younger patients. This cancer type preferentially develops on the trunk. However, other subtypes of BCC can occur in the head and neck, probably secondary to sunlight exposure. Especially, sBCC on the scalp has been rarely-reported, accounting for 0.7~0.8% of all sBCC cases. We report a case of 71-year-old female with a large sBCC of the scalp, an unusual site of sBCC.

Keyword

Scalp; Superficial basal cell carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Accounting
Aged
Carcinoma, Basal Cell
Female
Head
Humans
Neck
Scalp
Sunlight

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Localized mild tender violaceous to blackish 6.5×6.5 cm-sized plaque with a slightly raised and irregular border. (B) Clinical improvement was noted after 12 weeks of imiquimod treatment. (C) Targeted biopsy (green circle) performed on the blackish area after application of imiquimod for 16 weeks. (D) Three months after the termination of additional photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid, the lesion showed clinically complete remission.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Initial biopsy specimen prior to imiquimod application, showing irregular proliferation of tumor tissue with palisading peripheral cells (H&E, ×100). (B) Marked reduction of tumor tissue after 12 weeks of imiquimod treatment (H&E, ×40). (C) Targeted biopsy specimen after 16 weeks of treatment showing excised tumor tissue with a free margin (H&E, ×40). (D) No tumor cells were found 3 months after the photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid (H&E, ×100).

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