Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma – a Case Report

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cutaneous cancer. In majority of cases it is locally invasive with slow growth, ranging in size from a couple of milimeters to a couple of centimeters and located primarily on sun-exposed regions. Giant basal cell carcinoma, defined as a tumor that is larger than 5 cm in diameter, is a very rare type of cutaneous malignancy accounting for 0.5-1% of all basal cell carcinomas. We present a case of a 74-year-old man with a 17 x 14 cm giant basal cell carcinoma in the right supraclavicular region. Detailed history revealed that the lesion had started as a papule 15 years before presentation. Despite its growth, the lesion was neglected until admission. Histological examination of skin lesion confirmed superficial and focally infiltrative types of basal cell carcinoma. Electron radiotherapy was administered with 54 Gy total dose delivered in 20 daily fractions which resulted in healing of lesions and adequate response. Thus, definitive radiotherapy can be just as effective as excision when the criteria are met.