Relapsing advanced metatypical basal cell carcinomas (MTBCC) of the face: surgical modalities.

Metatypical basal cell carcinoma (MTBCC) represents a high-risk type of cutaneous tumour. We report about three different patients with relapsing advanced large MTBCC: one of the scalp and two of the cheek region. Such patients required in most of the cases a complex surgical approach to achieve a stable and complete remission. In the first presented patient a combination of flaps and grafts has been performed. We describe tailored surgical approaches. By this contrivance it is possible to treat even elderly patients with exposed bone after complete excision effectively and safe. Interdisciplinary team work is for the benefit of these patients.

Giant epithelial malignancies (Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma): a series of 20 tumors from a single center.

BACKGROUND: Among nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common. Giant NMSCs have occasionally reported in the medical literature with particular problems related to diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze patients, treatment, and outcome with giant BCC/SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed our files between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, of an academic teaching hospital in the dermatology department. Patients were analyzed according to demographic factors, clinical presentation, histopathology, treatment, and outcome. American Society of Anesthesiology physical status system was used to assess the fitness of patients before surgery. RESULTS: The frequency of giant NMSC was estimated as 0.4% for both tumor entities. 80% of giant BCC patients were female and 100% of giant SCC patients were male. The mean age was 81.5 ± 8.5 years for BCC) and 79.5 ± 11.4 years for SCC. The major anatomical site was the scalp. Four of 10 BCCs were classified metatypic (basosquamous). Perineural infiltration was seen in 5 NMSCs. Seventy percent of patients had an ASA score ≥3. Surgery was performed in general anaesthesia in 5 (BCC) and 6 (SCC) patients, respectively. All other patients were operated in local or tumescence anesthesia. Blood transfusions were necessary in five patients. The primary treatment was delayed Mohs technique. Defect closure was realized with rotational flaps in most cases. Neoadjuvant chemoimmune therapy and adjuvant combined cetuximab/radiotherapy have been performed in three patients. We observed three deaths, all unrelated to NMSC. 75% of patients achieved complete remission. CONCLUSIONS: Giant NMSC is uncommon but not rare. These tumors are high-risk subtypes. Treatment needs an interdisciplinary approach.

Giant tricholemmal squamous cell carcinoma with cranial infiltration.

Tricholemmal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma thought to follow a more benign course. The authors present the case of a 67-year-old man with a giant tricholemmal squamous cell carcinoma on his scalp. Further investigations demonstrated a skull destruction and cranial invasion. Curative treatment was impossible, but tumor mass reduction and wound closure by sandwich split-thickness skin mesh graft transplantation using a dermal template was performed. Problems of advanced squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp are discussed.

Reconstruction of a large scalp defect by the sequential use of dermal substitute, self-filling osmotic tissue expander and rotational flap.

Large scalp defects pose a challenge for the surgeon. Here, we present a 31-year-old male patient with a soft tissue defect on the temple with exposed bone. To allow reconstruction, we placed a self-filling osmotic expander in the subgaleal pocket for 12 weeks. The final volume of the tissue expander was 300 mL. In the last step, a rotational flap was created after removal of the tissue expander from its pocket. Thereby, a tension-free suturing was possible. The post-surgical healing was uncomplicated. Osmotic tissue expanders are a valuable tool for the closure of large tissue defects without the necessity of repeated filling procedures.