Metastatic giant basal cell carcinoma and radiotherapy

Abstract

We read the report on giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the thoracic wall by Lorenzini et al. 1 Lorenzini M. Gatti S. Giannitrapani A. Giant basal cell carcinoma of the thoracic wall: a case report and review of the literature. Br J Plast Surg. 2005; 58: 1007-1010 Google Scholar It was describing an 81-year-old man with an ulcerated cutaneous giant BCC, measuring 6×2 cm2, on the anterior chest wall. The lesion infiltrated the mediastinum, with complete occlusion of the left brachiocephalic vein. Neither surgical treatment nor radiotherapy was feasible. They noted that specific histological features are associated with an aggressive course, and early diagnosis and treatment with close follow-up are mandatory. In agreement with their observation, additionally we think that radiotherapy might be an appropriate treatment approach for BCC in the definitive or palliative purposes.