Characteristics of basal cell carcinoma amongst Asians in Singapore and a comparison between completely and incompletely excised tumors

Chemotherapeutical treatment of basal cell carcinoma with bleomycin via microinfusion of the drug into the skin (MMP®)

BACKGROUND

Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutical drug used to treat several neoplasias, including non-melanoma skin cancer; it is effective in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) via intralesional infiltration. Transdermal drug delivery, which includes technologies such as CO2 Laser, Dermapen, Dermaroller and MMP®, delivers the desired medication to treat skin neoplasias and also acts in skin rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE

To treat BCC lesions using bleomycin via MMP®.

METHODS

Ninety-eight BCC lesions in different anatomical areas were treated using MMP® technology to administer and uniformly distribute bleomycin throughout the lesion and in the established safety margin.

RESULTS

The cure rate after six months was 96.94%; and recurrences were not associated with lesion size and/or depth. Adverse effects were the expected ones.

STUDY LIMITATIONS

The follow-up time was only six months.

CONCLUSION

This therapeutic route showed to be promising and effective.

Treatment of Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma with 3 mm Surgical Margin in Asians

Background. In Asians, most basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are pigmented with clear borders. The consensus of 4 mm surgical margin for BCC largely depends on studies in nonpigmented BCCs in Caucasians. However, little is known about recurrences of pigmented BCCs with a narrower surgical margin. We aimed to investigate 5-year recurrence of BCCs, either pigmented or nonpigmented, in Taiwanese with 3 mm surgical margin. Materials and Methods. 143 patients with BCC (M/F = 66/77, average 64 years) were confirmed pathologically from 2002 to 2013. Based on the pathological margin (>1 mm, ≤1 mm, and involved), patients were categorized into the complete excision group (n = 77), histology with close proximity group (n = 43), and unclear surgical margin group (n = 23). Results. Among 143 cases, 105 were pigmented. With standard 3 mm excision, there were 7 recurrences, with 6 of them from nonpigmented BCC group. Logistic regression showed that pigmentation was associated with lower recurrence. Interestingly, 5-year recurrence of completely excised and histology with close proximity BCC (0/77 versus 1/43) was not different statistically. Conclusions. A 3 mm surgical margin is adequate for pigmented BCC. A “wait and see” approach rather than further wide excision is appropriate for BCC with <1 mm free margin.

Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: an algorithm based on the literature

Although basal cell carcinoma can be effectively managed through surgical excision, the most suitable surgical margins have not yet been fully determined. Furthermore, micrographic surgery is not readily available in many places around the world. A review of the literature regarding the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma was conducted in order to develop an algorithm for the surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma that could help the choice of surgical technique and safety margins, considering the major factors that affect cure rates. Through this review, it was found that surgical margins of 4mm seem to be suitable for small, primary, well-defined basal cell carcinomas, although some good results can be achieved with smaller margins and the use of margin control surgical techniques. For treatment of high-risk and recurrent tumors, margins of 5-6 mm or margin control of the surgical excision is required. Previous treatment, histological subtype, site and size of the lesion should be considered in surgical planning because these factors have been proven to affect cure rates. Thus, considering these factors, the algorithm can be a useful tool, especially for places where micrographic surgery is not widely available.

Different Anatomical Distribution of Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes in Iranian Population: Association between Site and Subtype

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of human cancer. Despite the high prevalence of these tumors, there is a lack of reliable epidemiological data in some regions including Iran.

Objective

To assess the relationship between BCC subtypes and anatomical distribution in the Iranian population.

Methods

There were 876 patients with a single BCC enrolled in this study (March 2007 to March 2010; Razi Dermatology Center, Tehran, Iran).

Results

Among 876 patients, 544 were males and 332 females. Of the lesions, 43% were nodular, 32.4% mixed type, 3% superficial and rest of other subtypes. In the lesion location, 58.2% were on the face, 29.2% on scalp, 6.2% on ears, 2.3% on neck, 1.7% on trunk and 1.3% on the extremities. There was no significant difference between male and female in the BCC subtypes, but anatomical distribution of the tumor was different (p=0.002). Most of the trunk-arising BCCs were superficial, and most of the facial BCCs were nodular subtype. Also, most of the BCC subtypes occurred in patients between 40 to 80 years old and mostly on the face and scalp (p=0.04). However, superficial BCCs mostly occurred in younger patients over others (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Subtype is associated with a site, independent of gender or age. Also BCCs occurring on the trunk are mostly of the superficial subtype.

Basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region: a retrospective analysis of completely excised 331 cases

The aim of the study is to analyze all completely excised BCCs in the head and neck region with regard to age, sex, personal and familial history, skin type, tumor localization and size, histopathological subtype of tumor, reconstruction method, and recurrence rates. Incompletely excised BCCs were not included in this study since incomplete excision is the most important preventable risk factor for recurrence. In 320 patients, 331 lesions were retrospectively evaluated by dividing into the following 8 subunits: scalp, frontotemporal, orbital, nose, cheek, auricula, perioral, and chin-neck area. Most of the patients were in 60-70 age group (34.7%). The nose (32.3%) was the most common site of presentation. Clinically, all lesions and, histopathologically, most of the lesions (42.2%) presented were of the nodular type. All cases of recurrence after complete excision (n = 9, 2.7%) were located in the median parts of the head and neck region and were mainly diagnosed histopathologically as sclerotic and micronodular. Even though completely excised, head and neck region BCCs, especially which are more prone to recurrence due to anatomical and histopathological properties, should be more closely monitored in order to decrease morbidity and health care costs.

Pigmented Basal cell carcinoma: a clinical variant, report of two cases

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour of skin, comprising 80% of non-melanoma cancers. Intermittent exposure to ultraviolet radiation is an important risk factor. Pigmented basal cell carcinoma is a clinical and histological variant of basal cell carcinoma that exhibits increased pigmentation. It is a very rare variant, although its frequency can reach upto 6% of total basal cell carcinomas in Hispanics. Herein, we are reporting 2 cases of pigmented basal cell carcinoma.

Characteristics of Mixed Type Basal Cell Carcinoma in Comparison to Other BCC Subtypes

Background:

There are limited data exploring the characteristics of mixed type basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Objectives:

To explore different characteristics of mixed type BCC.

Design:

Cross sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

825 patients with BCC enrolled in this study.

Results:

Among 825 patients, 512 (62%) were male. Three hundred and fifty five (43%) presented with nodular subtype, 267 (32.4%) with mixed subtype, 25 with superficial and the 178 remaining presented with other subtypes. Four hundred and eighty three (58.6%) of the lesions were on the face, 243 (29.5%) on scalp, 52 (6.3%) on ears, 20 (2.4%) on neck, 15 (1.8%) on trunk and 12 (1.4%) on extremities. Anatomic distribution of mixed type was as follows: 137 on face, (51.4%), 100 (37.3%) on scalp, 19 (7%) on ear, 6 (2.1%) on neck, 4 (1.5%) extremity and 1 (0.7%) on trunk, which the difference from non mixed types was statistically significant (P = 0.002). The mean diameter of the mixed types and non mixed type BCCs were significantly different (2.7 ± 2.1 cm vs. 2.2 ± 1.6 cm; P = 0.01. The prevalence of necrosis in mixed type BCC was two times higher than non mixed type BCCs (OR = 2.3, CI 95% 1.3-3.9, P = 0.001). The most frequent combined subtypes were nodular-infiltrative (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Mixed type BCC has differences with other BCC subtypes in anatomical distribution and tumor diameter. Indeed, mixed type BCCs are frequently composed of aggressive subtypes than nonaggressive subtypes.

Incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma: residual tumor rates at Mohs re-excision

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, and incompletely excised BCC is a commonly encountered clinical scenario.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of histologic and clinical evidence of residual BCC at Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of incompletely excised BCC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One hundred incompletely excised BCCs, from our practice and referred to our practice by local family doctors, treated using MMS between 2005 and 2007 were studied. Patient data included sex, age, anatomic location of tumor, histologic subtype, margin involved, initial closure and closure after MMS, and Mohs stages required for histologic clearance.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine percent of incompletely excised BCCs had residual tumor at MMS re-excision, and 12% had clinically evident residual disease.

CONCLUSION

Immediate re-excision using MMS is recommended for treatment of incompletely excised BCC because the majority of cases have histologically detectable BCC. Watch and wait advice could lead to significant morbidity because recurrence may necessitate more extensive closures and costs. Long-term follow-up is recommended. It is important to conduct self-audits of incomplete excisions and follow up these patients.

Study to determine whether intraoperative frozen section biopsy improves surgical treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer

Skin cancers are the most common types of cancer and their incidence has shown an increase of ∼4 to 8% per year over the last 40 years. The majority of skin cancers (∼97%) are non-melanoma skin cancers, mainly represented by basal cell (80%) and squamous cell carcinomas (20%). The use of intra-operative frozen section remains controversial in the surgical treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer, being commonly considered an optional tool, the reliability and effectiveness of which remain questionable. A large retrospective study was conducted to examine 670 surgical excisions of non-melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck in 481 patients over a period of nine years, between May, 2002 and December, 2011, at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the University of Pavia, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy. Results demonstrated the paradoxical ineffectiveness of an intra-operative frozen section biopsy in pursuing higher rates of radical excision in non-melanoma skin cancers. Nevertheless, a more detailed analysis on the use of frozen sections focusing on the various anatomical sites of the body demonstrated a reverse trend in the eyelids and canthi, where a higher success rate (87.50 vs. 69.77%) in the surgical treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers was obtained with the use of an intra-operative frozen section biopsy. Results of the present study suggested that intra-operative frozen section biopsy be routinely used in the surgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin tumors involving the eyelids and canthi.

Basal cell carcinoma in asians: a retrospective analysis of ten patients

Background. Few studies have been done that characterize basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Asians because this tumor is relatively uncommon in this population group. Objective. To characterize BCC in Asians. Methods. We retrospectively examined fifteen patient variables and eight tumor variables of ten Asian patients with BCC and compared these results to those of thirty matched Caucasian controls with BCC. Results. Asians developed their first BCC at an older age than the age of first BCC in Caucasian controls (68.9 years versus 58.3 years; P < 0.05). During their lifetime, Asians had fewer BCCs than the number of BCCs in Caucasian controls (1.11 versus 5.41; P < 0.02), despite a similar estimated lifetime daily sun exposure (hours/day) for both groups. Compared to BCCs in Caucasian controls, a higher percentage of BCCs in Asians were clinically pigmented (50.0% versus 3.3%; P < 0.01). Conclusion. Asians develop BCCs later in life and develop fewer BCCs over their lifetime than Caucasians, despite similar estimated lifetime daily sun exposure. This finding is probably due to skin pigmentation in Asians being more protective of ultraviolet light than skin pigmentation in Caucasians.

Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in humans and its incidence has increased over the last decades. Its high frequency significantly burdens the health system, making the disease a public health issue. Despite the low mortality rates and the rare occurrence of metastases, the tumor may be locally invasive and relapse after treatment, causing significant morbidity. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor associated with its cause. However, other elements of risk are described, such as light skin phototypes, advanced age, family history of skin carcinoma, light eyes and blond hair, freckles in childhood and immunosuppression. Behavioral aspects such as occupational sun exposure, rural labor and sunburns at a young age also play a role. Between 30% and 75% of the sporadic cases are associated with patched hedgehog gene mutation, but other genetic changes are also described. The tumor is commonly found in concomitance with skin lesions related to chronic sun exposure, such as actinic keratoses, solar lentigines and facial telangiectasia. The prevention of basal cell carcinoma is based on the knowledge of risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as on the adoption of specific measures, particularly in susceptible populations. The authors present a review of the epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma.

Recidivas e recorrências de carcinomas basocelulares da face

Para avaliar fatores relacionados ao seguimento oncológico dos carcinomas basocelulares da face, foi realizada a análise de série de casos. Avaliaram-se 465 pacientes, com 834 carcinomas basocelulares de face; 3,1% apresentaram recidivas. Nos tumores incompletamente excisados, a recidiva foi 14,7% contra 2,3% dos tumores, com margens livres. Ocorreram mais na região nasal. As taxas de recorrência evidenciaram risco cumulativo. Estes achados reforçam a importância do seguimento oncológico após a cirurgia do carcinoma basocelular.

Clinical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer among Orientals. Data on this malignancy is lacking in Malaysia, prompting a retrospective study to determine the clinical characteristics in the skin clinic, Sarawak General Hospital between 2000 and 2008.

METHODS

Demographic data and clinical features of 64 histopathologically proven BCC from 43 patients were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the clinical characteristics based on the region of involvement and gender.

RESULTS

The mean age of presentation was 60.9 years. Male to female ratio was 1.05. Majority of the patients were Chinese (44.2%) followed by Malays (32.6%), Bidayuhs (14.0%) and Ibans (6.9%). Nodular BCC accounted for 95.3% of cases while 4.7% were superficial BCC. All the nodular BCC were pigmented. Ulceration was noted in 18%. There were 82.8% of BCC on the head and neck region and 17.2% on the trunk and limb region. BCC on the latter region were larger (mean 35.0 cf. 14.4 mm, p < 0.001) and ulcerated (45.5% cf. 11.3%, p = 0.01). Superficial BCC were also more frequently encountered in this region (18.2% cf. 1.9%, p = 0.02). Compared to women, men had larger BCC (mean 21.1 cf. 13.3 mm, p = 0.03) and kept them for a longer duration (mean 21.6 cf. 13.3 months, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Clinical characteristics of BCC in Sarawak were similar to other Asian studies. Additionally, BCC on the trunk and limbs and in men were larger, ulcerative and long standing warranting better efforts for earlier detection.

Epidemiology of surgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer of the head and neck in Greece

BACKGROUND

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) constitutes the most common malignancy in Caucasians. Epidemiological data derive, mainly, from studies in the United States, Australia, and Northern Europe, whereas data from Mediterranean Europe are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To provide information on the epidemiology of surgically treated NMSC of the head and neck in the region of Thrace, Northern Greece, and to evaluate the surgical treatment given.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients surgically treated from 2004 to 2006 was conducted. Data on demographics, histology and skin cancer characteristics, and treatment efficacy and recurrence rate were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-nine NMSCs of the head and neck were excised and histopathologically confirmed in 160 patients, with the majority (58.7%) classified as Fitzpatrick skin type III. Histology included 125 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 54 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The mean age was 70.6 +/- 10.1 (range 38-97). Tumor size ranged between 2 and 50 mm. Excision with 5-mm margins was performed in every case, and the defects were closed mainly using local flaps. Incomplete excision was limited to 3.9% of cases, and the recurrence rate was 1.7%. The study revealed similar characteristics between BCC and SCC regarding age and sex but significant differences in terms of location and size.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection achieves a satisfactory NMSC clearance rate in the head and neck.

Evaluation of clinical prognostic factors in T1 N0 M0 head and neck basal cell carcinoma

This retrospective study was carried out to assess the clinical outcome of stage I (ie, T1 N0 M0) head and neck basal cell carcinoma (HNBCC) and verify the impact of some clinical parameters on prognosis. The cases of 220 patients with stage I (ie, T1 N0 M0) histologically proven HNBCC were analyzed.The global disease-specific survival rate at 36 months was 100%, irrespective of the type of surgery, and thus, it was demonstrated that radical tumor resection is a viable procedure for stage I HNBCC. However, 11 (5%) of 220 cases had a recurrence. A second procedure was performed in 10 (90.9%) of 11 cases. In 3 of the 10 patients operated on twice (30%), a second recurrence was detected. Thus, a second surgical procedure on a recurring tumor is possible, but the multimodality treatment regimen should be considered for recurring tumors.

Reconstruction of nasal cutaneous defects in Asians

OBJECTIVES

Proper selection of reconstruction method is the key point to get a successful result in nasal reconstruction. The purposes of this study are to report the author's experience and to present a surgical algorithm in reconstruction of the nasal defects in Asian.

METHODS

Retrospective medical record analysis was performed for 40 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction between March 1996 and February 2006 at a tertiary referral hospital. Male to female ratio was 24:16, average age was 56 years, and average follow-up period was 25 months. Etiology, location, size, reconstruction method and surgical results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Majority of the defects (36/40) resulted from resection of a neoplasm. Among tumors, basal cell carcinoma accounted for 75% (27/36) followed by squamous cell carcinoma 8% (3/36). The defect was located in the dorsum in 11 cases, lateral wall in 9, ala in 8, tip in 4, and involved more than two sites in 8. In 2/3 of the cases, the defect size was less than 2cm. Local flap was used in 29 cases, primary closure in 6 cases, and skin graft in 5 cases. Among local flaps, nasolabial flap was useful for defects of the ala and multiple subunits while large nasal tip defects needed forehead flap. Transposition flaps were used for the small to medium sized defects of the nasal sidewall or dorsum. Reinforcement cartilage graft was used in 9 cases. Second stage refinement procedure was performed in 2 patients. Partial necrosis resulted in 2 cases but none ended up in total loss.

CONCLUSIONS

A local flap is the most versatile method for reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the Asian nose. The site and size of the defect are key considerations in choosing the local flap. Asian skin characteristics influence the design, execution, and the outcomes of the local flap.

Melanization in basal cell carcinomas: microscopic characterization of clinically pigmented and non-pigmented tumours

Clinical and microscopic pigmentation may affect the treatment outcomes in basal cell carcinoma. However, there have not been any in-depth histopathological comparisons between clinically pigmented and non-pigmented basal cell carcinomas with regards to microscopic melanization. The aims of our study were to determine the proportion of pigmented basal cell carcinomas presenting to the National Skin Centre in Singapore, to characterize the histological pattern of melanization and to perform a semi-quantitative analysis of the degree of microscopic melanization of the tumours. Patients with clinical features and histologically confirmed basal cell carcinomas were recruited. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded and basal cell carcinoma sections were examined for histological subtype and pattern of melanization. Twenty-five Chinese patients with 30 basal cell carcinomas were recruited. Three of the five clinically non-pigmented and all of the clinically pigmented basal cell carcinomas had microscopic evidence of melanization. Microscopic melanization in clinically non-pigmented basal cell carcinomas was present only focally or in the centre of the tumour mass. Both groups of basal cell carcinomas may be colonized by melanocytes. Two morphological types of melanocytes, a dendritic and round cell type, were identified. Future research is required to evaluate if the degree of microscopic melanization influences the treatment outcome of basal cell carcinomas.