Basal Cell Carcinoma
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Disease Entity
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Disease
BCC is a malignant epidermal carcinoma. BCC is the most common eyelid malignancy, accounting for over 90% of malignant eyelid neoplasms.
Etiology
Ultraviolet light induced damage to the epidermis.
Risk Factors
BCC tends to occur in lightly pigmented individuals at sites of sun exposure.
Other risk factors include:
- Radiation
- Immunosuppression
- Previous scar
- Inherited syndromes, e.g., xeroderma pigmentosum
General Pathology
As its names implies, BCC derives from cells of the epithelial basal cell layer. Histologically the tumor has an appearance similar to the normal epithelial basal cell layer (Figure 1). BCC forms strands, cords, and islands of tumor. Palisading of the nuclei at the periphery of the islands of tumor is characteristic (Figure 1). An additional distinguishing feature of the tumor is the clefts or separation artifact, which results from tissue processing. Both nodular and morpheaform tumor growth types are seen in the periocular region.
The morpheaform type, also known as sclerosing or fibrosing type, characteristically has small islands of tumor within dense fibrous tissue (Figure 2). The nests and strands of tumor tend to invade the underlying tissue more deeply. The more aggressive pattern of the morpheaform type presents a challenge in determining the extent of the tumor; the variant carries a higher rate of recurrence.
Pathophysiology
Defects of the PTCH gene located on chromosome 9q22.3 have been associated with the development of BCC.
Primary prevention
Minimize sun exposure by use of sun block products, as well as hats and appropriate clothing.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of BCC can be suspected clinically and is confirmed histologically.
History
The history for any suspicious periocular lesion should include assessment for any of the risk factors for BCC. The location of the lesion is noteworthy. Due to a relatively greater amount of sun exposure, BCC has a predilection for the lower eyelid, followed by the medial canthus.
Physical examination
Complete eye examination, including ocular motility and assessment of proptosis
Assessement of facial sensation
Examination of the lesion includes assessment for:
- General appearance of the lesion and periocular skin
- Distortion of eyelid architecture or eyelid malposition
- Presence of skin ulceration
- Madarosis (loss of eyelashes)
- Telangiectasias
Symptoms
- May be asymptomatic
- Ulceration and Bleeding
- Skin Crusting
- Parethesia or anesthesia
Diagnostic procedures
Biopsy
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis includes any benign or malignant condition of the eyelid skin, including:
Benign:
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Actinic keratosis
- Chalazion
- Cyst
- Squamous papilloma
- Blepharitis
- Xanthelasma
- Nevus
- Verruca
Malignant:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma
- Malignant melanoma
- Lymphoma
- Merkel cell tumor
- Metastasis
Management
BCC is nearly always a locally invasive disease.
Surgery
Complete surgical excision with margin control.
Complications
Recurrence of the tumor.
Prognosis
Five-year cure rates of up to 98% have been reported for BCC. There is a worse prognosis with:
- Lesions greater than 3 cm
- Long-standing lesions
- Deeply invasive tumors
- Inadequate treatment
Additional Resources
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1211925-overview
References
Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors, Section 4. Basic and Clinical Science Course. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2009.
Orbit, Eyelids, and Lacrimal System, Section 7. Basic and Clinical Science Course. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2009.
Sehu KW, Lee WR. Ophthalmic Pathology. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005: 25, 27-30.
Srivastava M, Kelley L. Mohs' Surgery for Eyelid Malignancies. In: Albert DM, Jakobiec FA, eds. Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2008;3:248.
Valenzuela AA, Sullivan TJ. Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Eyelid. In: Albert DM, Jakobiec FA, eds. Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2008;3:249.
Yanoff M, Sassani JW. Ocular Pathology, 6th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier, 2009: 197-199.
