CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GIANT BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (GBCC) CASES TREATED AT OUR INSTITUTION OVER LAST DECADE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma (GBCC), Wide Local Excision, Reconstruction
Abstract
Background
Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm. Due to its uncommon nature and the recognized high risk of recurrence, standardized treatment guidelines are lacking.
Aims and Objectives
This study presents a clinicopathological analysis of 12 cases of giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) treated at our institution VIMSAR BURLA.
Methods
This clinicopathological observational study included 12 patients diagnosed with GBCC who presented to the outpatient department of General Surgery at VIMSAR Burla, Sambalpur, between November 2014 and October 2024. A clinical database was constructed to investigate the tumor’s behaviour, identify prognostic factors, and evaluate optimal treatment approaches.
Results
GBCC predominantly affects elderly male patients, with the highest incidence observed in the seventh decade. The tumor typically arises from a long-standing dermal lesion, with a mean disease duration of 14.2 years. The most frequent location is the back, followed by the face and upper extremities. The nodular subtype is the most common histological variant. The average tumor size at presentation was 14.5 cm at its largest diameter. The presence of metastasis at diagnosis is a significant indicator of poor prognosis. Despite optimal therapy, 33.33% of patients experienced local recurrence or metastasis. The overall reported cure rate was 61.8%, based on a mean follow-up of 2 years. Wide local excision, with or without postoperative radio or chemotherapy, was determined to be the most effective treatment approach.
Conclusion
The optimal management of GBCC involves wide local excision to achieve histologically clear margins, often followed by adjuvant therapy. In cases of lymphatic spread, regional lymphadenectomy is necessary. Given the elevated risk of loco regional recurrence, close and long-term follow-up is also crucial.
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