Factors predictive of recurrence, metastasis, and death from primary basal cell carcinoma 2 cm or larger in diameter.

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrence and metastatic rates are known to be very low. The risk factors for these rare outcomes are subsequently not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors independently associated with local recurrence (LR) and metastasis and/or death (M/D) in large (≥2 cm) BCC.

METHODS

BCCs histologically confirmed between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively screened for tumor diameter at 2 academic centers. Medical records of all large BCCs and an equal number of randomly selected small BCCs were reviewed for LR and M/D.

RESULTS

Included were 248 large BCC and 248 small BCC tumors. Large BCCs had a significantly higher risk of LR and M/D than small BCCs (LR: 8.9% vs 0.8%, P < .001; M/D: 6.5% vs. 0%, P < .001). Because the risks were so low in small BCCs, they were excluded from further analysis. On multivariable logistic regression, head/neck location (odds ratio [OR], 9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-31.3) and depth beyond fat (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.0-9.6) were associated with LR in large BCCs. Risk of LR was lower with Mohs micrographic surgery (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04-0.5). Head/neck location (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.2-23.2), tumor diameter ≥4 cm (OR, 11.9; 95% CI, 2.4-59.4), and depth beyond fat (OR, 28.6; 95% CI, 6.7-121) were significant predictors of M/D in large BCCs.

LIMITATIONS: Retrospective cohort design.

CONCLUSIONS

Large BCCs, particularly those with additional risk factors, have a high enough risk of recurrence and metastasis to warrant further investigation to optimize management.