Superficial spread in basal cell epithelioma

ABSTRACT

We are reporting a series of 19 patients with 20 nodular basal cell epitheliomas removed by elliptical surgical excision. Histologic examination of the specimens by serial sections in each case revealed a central nodular growth surrounded by a number of small nests of basalioma cells in connection with the lower surface of the epidermis and the infundibular portion of the pilosebaceous structures. The superficial nests extended as far as 5.5 mm distant from the central nodule. The nodular lesion was completely excised in all cases. However, the peripheral nests extended to the line of excision in 13 of the 20 specimens requiring re-excision of the area. The re-excisional specimens were positive for residual superficial nests in six of the 13 cases