Super giant basal cell carcinoma: a comprehensive systematic review

Abstract

Super giant basal cell carcinoma (SGBCC), defined as greater than 20 cm in diameter, is a rare oncological entity, with scarce literature. The authors conducted a review to characterize SGBCC, specifically with regards to age, sex predilection, risk factors, geographical location, body site, metastasis, and treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted from 1972 to 2023. All abstracts, studies, and citations were reviewed. The initial result showed 47 281 articles and were filtered down for human, skin, English language, and SGBCC. The authors identified 20 case reports for our analysis. The sample size was too small to conduct extensive statistical analysis. Majority of the cases were reported in North America and Europe. Males outnumbered almost females 2:1. The mean age was 61 years. The lesion was located on trunk in 16 out of 20 cases. In 13 out of 20 years, the lesion had been present for more than 10 years and 7 out of 20 cases reported metastasis. Several reports documented low socioeconomic status and poor mental health. Regarding treatment, 11 patients underwent surgery, radiation was utilized in 6 patients and immunotherapy (Vismodegib) in 4 patients. Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to have a favorable prognosis, SGBCC is highly aggressive with ability to metastasize. Our review reveals SGBCC is commonly diagnosed in males in their sixth decade, present for more than 10 years duration, risk factors include low socioeconomic status and poor mental health, commonly found on the trunk with a predilection for metastasis. The authors believe self-neglect is the likely etiology of the large size. Treatment options may be multimodal with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy (Vismodegib).