title: Nodular Basal cell carcinoma arising in a split-thickness skin graft of the scalp.
abstract: We present the first known case of basal cell carcinoma arising in a split-thickness skin graft in the United States. The apparent low incidence of basal cell carcinoma in split-thickness skin graft attests to its unique environment and could possibly be attributed to the following: (1) the donor sites for split-thickness skin grafts are usually areas that are not subjected to heavy sun exposure; (2) individuals with skin grafts may not live as long on average, or their skin grafts may be subsequently excised with further reconstructive procedures; and (3) cases may be underreported. Because basal cell carcinomas have a fairly benign course, many patients either do not present to a physician or are not reported. This case shows that a split-thickness skin graft can have an adequate microenvironment for the development of basal cell carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
authors.forename: Tyler M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Angelos
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Janz
mesh_terms: D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016038:Skin Transplantation