title: Giant Basal cell carcinoma.
abstract: Servicemembers are often exposed to extreme environments with sun exposure, often laying the foundation for future skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common of skin cancers. We present the case of a 36-year-old male active duty Seabee who presents with a left shoulder plaque that initially started as an erythematous papule but has now increased to greater than 6 cm in the past 10 years and is diagnosed as giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC). Although only 0.5% to 1% of BCCs develop into GBCCs, there is the potential for metastasis and even death. This article addresses the concerning and potentially fatal diagnosis of GBCC, including your initial impressions and differential diagnoses, available treatment options, and ways to prevent it from ever occurring in our military population.
authors.forename: Shayna S C
authors.initials: SSC
authors.lastname: Rivard
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Crandall
authors.forename: Neil F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Gibbs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod