Axillary basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) rarely occurs in the axilla. Only 18 cases have been reported in the world literature.

OBJECTIVES

To report our institution's 11-year experience with axillary BCC.

METHODS

A review of patient charts and biopsy specimens is given.

RESULTS

We report 14 patients with 15 axillary BCCs. The average patient age was 65.6. The average lesion size was 10.8 mm. Nine patients had a personal history of skin cancer at sun-exposed sites. One patient had basal cell nevus syndrome. A history of ionizing radiation and severe sunburn involving the axilla was each seen in separate patients. No other predisposing factors for developing BCC were identified, such as immune suppression or a history of other malignancies. Histologic subtypes of all tumors were considered less aggressive, and only one tumor recurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Axillary BCC is rare. Factors other than ultraviolet radiation likely contribute to the development of BCC, especially at sun-protected sites. Performing a periodic and complete cutaneous examination that includes sun-protected sites is important, especially in patients who have a history of skin cancer.