Giant basal cell carcinoma (T3). Who is at risk?

BACKGROUND

Giant basal cell carcinomas can cause extensive local invasion and disfigurement. This study determines in whom giant basal cell carcinomas develop.

METHODS

Fifty patients with giant basal cell carcinomas (over 5 cm, T3) were compared with other groups of patients with small (< 2 cm, T1) or intermediate-sized (2-5 cm, T2) basal cell carcinomas. The patients were treated at the Mayo Clinic between August 1986 and December 1990.

RESULTS

Characteristics that were more common in giant basal cell carcinomas than in smaller lesions were duration, patient neglect, recurrence after previous treatment, aggressive histologic pattern, and history of radiation exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have a basal cell carcinoma with an aggressive histologic subtype, a recurrence after previous treatment, a history of radiation exposure, or a history of neglect are at risk for giant basal cell carcinoma.