Clinical Experience of Basosquamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Basosquamous carcinoma is a rare malignancy, with features of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is considered as aggressive tumor with a high risk of recurrence and metastases. Authors report a case of basosquamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: A 72 year-old man, who had an erythematous ulcer on his left auricle, described a slow growing lesion, starting at the posterior surface of the superior helix with a steady increase in size during the past 10 years. At operation, auricular cartilage was grossly invaded by the tumor and was, therefore, amputated with tumor-free margins. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination was revealed a basosquamous cell carcinoma. On positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and neck CT were negative for signs of further nodal involvement or metastases to other organs. At follow-up 6 months later, his wounds were noted to be well healed, with no evidence of local recurrence or identifiable metastases. CONCLUSION: Because basosquamous cell carcinoma has a significant potential to recur and metastasize, surgical excision for this type of carcinoma should be more extensive than that performed for conventional basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, regional lymph nodes should be monitored and close follow-up should be carried out.