When to suspect superficial basal cell carcinoma

When to suspect superficial basal cell carcinoma

Naik N S; Brodell R T; Fatteh S

Postgraduate Medicine

1998

1998-11

A 52-year-old man was referred for evaluation of three mildly pruritic patches on his right lateral upper arm, left shoulder, and right posterior thigh. The lesions had been present for 4 years, and although itching had decreased, they had failed to clear after treatment with fluocinonide cream. The patient had a light complexion and a long history of sun exposure. On physical examination, each lesion measured 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter and showed erythema, scaling, and slight atrophy (figure 1). Shave biopsies were performed on all three lesions, and specimens were submitted for histopathologic examination. Sections from each lesion revealed superficial basal cell carcinoma, with a central nodular component in one sample (figure 2). The following week, electrodesiccation and curettage was performed on all three lesions, and liquid nitrogen was used to treat actinic keratoses on the patient's temples. The patient was advised to avoid exposure to the sun and to use protective measures while outdoors. Four months later, follow-up examination revealed three additional superficial basal cell carcinomas, which were subsequently treated.

General & Internal Medicine

Journal Article

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