Metatypical BCC of The Ear: Partial Amputation of The Auricle as Adequate Dermatosurgical Approach

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world (1). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasia of the skin, accounting for approximately 80% of all cutaneous tumors (2). High cumulative ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and the presence of Fitzpatrick skin phototype I or II are pathogenetic risk factors (3). UV radiation induces mutations in the tumor suppressor PTCH1 gene, leading to increased Hedgehog (XX/Hh) signaling pathway activity (4). Dysfunction or abnormal activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway is associated with disorders of embryonic development and the development of cancers such as Goltz–Gorlin syndrome for example (5). BCC has the characteristics of a locally invasive, slow-growing skin cancer, with a metastatic incidence between 0.0028-0.5%, with areas in the head and neck most commonly affected (6). Metatypical basal cell carcinoma (MTBCC) is a rare variant of BCC that has histopathological characteristics of both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (7).