title: Extensive cerebral invasion of a basal cell carcinoma of the scalp.
abstract: Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common cutaneous malignant neoplasms affecting fair-skinned human beings. They may progressively enlarge and spread by peripheral extension. Intracranial invasion is very rare. A case of a giant BCC of the scalp invading directly into the left hemisphere through the frontal and parietal lobe and meninges is presented. Brain invasion along Virchow-Robin's spaces is demonstrated histopathologically. A review of literature failed to disclose a previous report of similar extensive and fatal cerebral invasion from a basal cell carcinoma of the scalp.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery of the Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany. nch.schroeder@lrz.tu-muenchen.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kestlmeier
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schlegel
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Trappe
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy