Electrochemotherapy in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Skin areas chronically exposed to solar radiation, such as the face, neck, scalp, and upper limbs, are at significantly increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. The objective of this case report is to describe the treatment of a basal cell carcinoma located on the chin using electrochemotherapy in a patient with advanced heart disease, a condition that contraindicated invasive surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a persistent nodular lesion on the chin, present for approximately 6 months. The diagnosis of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma was confirmed through histopathological analysis of tissue obtained via punch biopsy of the lesion. A single electrochemotherapy application was sufficient. Monitoring was discontinued at 24 months due to the patient's death from cardiac causes. Her clinical condition did not allow for further diagnostic procedures such as biopsy or positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the patient successfully underwent a single session of electrochemotherapy, with a favorable outcome and no complications. The therapeutic approach allowed us to avoid general anesthesia while ensuring effective treatment of the neoplastic lesion with excellent aesthetic outcomes.