GIANT BASAL CELL CARCINOMAS: THE ANALYSIS OF 12 PATIENTS

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common cutaneous malignant neoplasms. Although frequently regarded as a low grade malignancy, basal cell carcinoma sometimes shows very aggressive behaviour, especially, where giant lesions are concerned. Giant basal cell carcinoma is a rare skin tumour with aggressive biological behaviour, and much confusions exists about their possible aggressive potential as related to their size, the risk factors their development, their management, and their recurrence after the treatment. Our study includes 12 patients who had giant basal cell carcinoma with no evidence of metastatic dissemination. Three lesions on the scalp, five lesions on the face, three lesions on the trunk and one lesion on the toraco-lomber region were diagnosed. Except one case, all patients were treated with surgically. Depending on the anatomic region and tumour size, we used local or distant flaps and skin grafts for the reconstruction of the defect after the wide excision of the carcinoma. The follow-up period is approximately 3 years. In this study the problems of giant basal cell carcinoma such as the importance of the site location in tumour development, the histologic subtypes involved and problems of treatment are discussed.