Globe-Sparing Surgery for Medial Canthal Basal Cell Carcinoma with Anterior Orbital Invasion

Abstract

To describe a case series of patients with anterior orbital invasion by medial canthal basal cell carcinoma (BCC) managed with non-exenterating surgery. International, multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Twenty patients identified from the individual institutions' databases with histologically confirmed orbital invasion by periocular BCC. Examination of charts, relevant imaging, and histopathologic data. Demographics; clinical characteristics and radiologic features; histopathologic features; surgical techniques for excision, reconstruction, and subsequent procedures; complications; visual acuity; and recurrence. Twenty patients were identified. Twelve of 20 patients (60%) had recurrent BCCs, with 1 patient having had prior radiotherapy for previously incomplete excision. Eighteen of 20 patients (90%) had a palpable mass, 16 of 20 patients (80%) had clinical involvement of the nasolacrimal system, and 1 of 20 patients (5%) had limited extraocular movements. Preoperative radiologic evidence of orbital invasion was found in 10 of 20 patients (50%). Histologic evidence of orbital invasion was present in every patient, the subtypes being infiltrative (9/20, 45%), nodular (4/20, 20%), micronodular (2/20, 10%), multifocal (1/20, 5%), and mixed (4/20, 20%); extratumoral perineural invasion was present in 1 patient (5%). Final margins were clear in 18 of 20 patients (90%), positive in 1 of 20 patients (5%), and unclear in 1 of 20 patients (5%). Reconstruction was by direct closure in 1 patient and by a variety of standard oculoplastic flaps and grafts in 19 of 20 patients (95%). Twelve of 20 patients (60%) had postoperative extraocular muscle movement restriction, and 15 of 20 patients (75%) had epiphora. Subsequent revision procedures were needed in 12 of 20 patients (60%), including insertion of a lacrimal bypass tube and revision of medial canthal position. At a mean follow-up of 38 months, 18 of 20 patients (90%) were still alive (2 deaths due to other causes) with 1 recurrence (exenterated). Postoperative visual acuity was within 2 Snellen lines of preoperative visual acuity in 17 of 20 patients (85%). With careful planning and margin control, conservative surgery in this highly selected group proved possible with a low rate of disease recurrence, albeit with a relatively short follow-up. Postoperative complications, such as epiphora and ophthalmoplegia, were largely expected; most patients underwent subsequent revision procedures to address these and other complications. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.