Basal Cell Cancer of the Scalp

Cureus. 2022 Jun 30;14(6):e26469. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26469. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is generally uncovered in sun-exposed areas, secondary to chronic unprotected UV exposure. The most common sites for nodular basal cells are the face, especially the nose, cheeks, forehead, nasolabial folds, and eyelids, with a history of crusting and friability. The commencement of BCC is 10 to 15 years from epidermal damage. Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian female who presented to her primary care with an enlarging bump on the scalp for the past five years, which became tender and friable two months before the visit. The patient was clinically diagnosed with a solitary cyst and was referred for surgical excision. The pathology of the excised specimen revealed it to be a BCC.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; cosmetic dermatologic surgery; invasive scalp lesion; nonmelanoma skin cancer; scalp lesion; skin cancer; skin cancer histology; skin lesions; total excisional biopsy; uv light exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports