A man with a prosthetic ear and multiple pulmonary nodules.
Basal cell carcinoma is generally regarded as a relatively indolent tumor easily controlled with local therapy. When neglected or inadequately treated this tumor can become locally aggressive and in rare circumstances metastasize. This report documents a case of basal cell carcinoma metastatic to the lung that resulted in rapidly progressive respiratory failure and death.
Bradshaw
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Pulmonary Division, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif. 92134-1005, USA. wmacal@snd10.med.navy.mil
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D018450:Disease Progression; D004423:Ear / Q000601:surgery; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery