Giant basal cell carcinoma of the skin: literature review and personal experience.
As the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is typified by locally infiltrative growth and a very low risk of metastasis. On occasion, however, this otherwise indolent neoplasm may behave aggressively, demonstrating deep tissue invasion and a high rate of postsurgical recurrence. The pathogenesis and determinants of such tenacious growth are not completely understood. Only 1% of all BCC's achieve the status of 'giant', as defined in 1988 by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) of the skin and report their experience with this rare tumour subtype.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Section, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. zoccali.giovanni@virgilio.it
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Zoccali
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Pajand
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Papa
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Orsini
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Lomartire
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Giuliani
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*