Linear Basal Cell Carcinoma. Report of Two Cases

Abstract

and with no evidence of trauma or any previous trigger. The examination showed a violaceous lesion of linear morphology with a pearly, scarred appearance and measuring 4·0.5 cm (Figure 1). A skin biopsy was taken and found to be consistent with basal cell carcinoma, confirming the diagnosis of linear basal cell carcinoma. The lesion was removed by simple excision and the wound was closed directly, with the surgical margins found to be free of tumor cells. No recurrence had occurred after 1 year of follow-up. In the second case, a 69-year-old man came for consultation due to a linear lesion on the lower left eyelid, with an eroded, crusty surface, that measured 2.5·0.4 cm (Figure 2). The lesion was excised, with histology confirming the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. The linear form of basal cell carcinoma occurs equally in both sexes with an age ratio similar to that of other forms of basal cell carcinoma. 2 It is most commonly found in the periocular region. 3 These tumors are oriented along the tension lines of the skin and, therefore, some authors have speculated on the possibility that the Koebner phenomenon is related to its linear pattern. 4,5 However, as in our patients,