Pulmonary metastasis of Basal cell carcinoma

Ann Dermatol. 2011 May;23(2):213-6. doi: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.2.213. Epub 2011 May 27.

Abstract

Although basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, it rarely metastasizes. Metastatic basal cell carcinoma may, therefore, initially elude diagnosis and management. We describe the case of a patient with a metastatic basal cell carcinoma present in the lungs. The differential diagnosis of suspected metastatic lesions should include metastases from a cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, in addition to those from more commonly metastasizing carcinomas, especially in patients with a history of a large basal cell carcinoma that has involved the head and neck regions, and was refractory to treatment.

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; Metastatic basal cell carcinoma; Pulmonary metastasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports