Multidisciplinary management of advanced basal cell carcinoma: report of four cases

J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 May;13(5):601-6.

Abstract

Background: Advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are neoplasms with high-risk clinical characteristics that can develop as locally advanced disease or metastasis. Treatment of advanced BCC may result in significant morbidity due to the technical challenges of size and/or location or in which surgery and radiation therapy may be contraindicated. No standard of care exists for the management of advanced BCC. As such, the difficulty in managing these tumors necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Methods: We report four cases of advanced BCC that benefited from a multidisciplinary approach, as well as highlight treatment considerations and factors in the development of advanced BCC.

Results: All four complex cases of advanced BCC presented to a multidisciplinary non-melanoma skin cancer tumor board with extensive tumor involvement. Treatment of disease was effective in preventing recurrence while optimizing aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions: The multidisciplinary tumor board has a central and important role in the evaluation and management of advanced BCC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Patient Care / methods
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Therapeutics