title: Facial extensive recurrent basal cell carcinoma: successful treatment with photodynamic therapy and imiquimod 5% cream.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Management of facial extensive recurrent basal cell carcinoma can be a challenge for dermatologists. Although the preferred technique is usually Mohs surgery, sometimes the patient's condition or predicted aggressive surgery make other options advisable.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a case of a giant recurrent basal cell carcinoma in the face of an old woman successfully treated by combined therapy with MAL-photodynamic therapy and topical 5%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient remains well and with no sign of the tumor, with very good cosmetic result two years after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management of extensive facial basal cell carcinoma with combined therapies, as photodynamic therapy followed by topical imiquimod, can be an option for selected cases such as ours.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Spain. celiareq@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Celia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Requena
authors.forename: Francesc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Messeguer
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Llombart
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Serra-Guillén
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guillén
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; C475457:methyl 5-aminolevulinate; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; D000077271:Imiquimod