Basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum: clinicopathologic analysis of 10 cases

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) located on the scrotum is rare.

Objective: To analyze clinical and pathologic features, discuss therapeutic strategies, and identify prognostic factors of scrotal BCC in Chinese patients.

Materials and methods: Between 2000 and 2010, 10 patients with scrotal BCC were diagnosed and treated at our institution. A review was performed using the clinical records and dermatopathologic slides of these patients.

Results: The median patient age was 70. Skin lesions presented as red nodules and brownish plaques. All patients were treated using wide excision without adjuvant therapy. After an average follow-up of 47 months, eight patients were in good health without any relapse. One patient developed left inguinal lymph node metastasis at 21 months that was successfully treated using bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. One patient developed bilateral pulmonary metastasis at 48 months and was palliatively treated with chemotherapy. The clinical and histopathologic risk factors predisposing to metastasis were large primary neoplasms; a long period of misdiagnosis; and infiltrating, morpheaform, spiky, irregular outline pathologic patterns.

Conclusions: BCC of the scrotum is rare. It can metastasize after a long period of initial therapy. Long-term surveillance including a complete metastatic examination is recommended for these patients.