Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Nasal Vestibule

March 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 | Case Reports | 333 | Copyright © March 2020


Published online February 3, 2020

doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4517

Amir A. Bajoghli MD, Kyra Gassmann BA

Skin & Laser Surgery Center PC, McLean, VA

Abstract
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common human malignant neoplasms and is the most prevalent skin cancer in the United States with over four million new cases reported annually.1,2 Most BCCs arise in the skin from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. However, it is possible for BCCs to present in sun-protected areas due to factors other than sun exposure. We present a case of a basal cell carcinoma located in the nasal vestibule. In presenting this case, we would like to emphasize the importance of attentive full skin examinations, both by physicians and patients, that include observation of sun-protected areas, as skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas may occur in these unusual areas. In addition, BCCs have been reported in the literature to have occurred in the interdigital area of the foot, the female and male nipples, the axillae, and the genital and perianal areas.3,4,5,6,7,8

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(3):333-334 doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4517

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) arise from DNA damage to cells of the basal layer of the epidermis and most commonly in areas of the skin exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. BCC is the most common skin cancer seen in humans with over 4.3 million cases reported in the United States and is responsible for 3-10% of all cancers annually.1,2 We report what we believe to be the first case of this very prevalent skin cancer arising in the nasal vestibule. The lesion was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and required three stages to obtain histological clearance. Given the location of the tumor, Mohs surgery was chosen due to the procedure’s effectiveness for achieving the highest cure rate with the lowest incidence of tumor recurrence and for preserving as much adjacent healthy tissue as possible.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 81-year-old Caucasian male presented with a lesion in the left anterior nasal vestibule near the base of the septum. The lesion was noted by the patient about 4-6 weeks prior to his presentation and was gradually enlarging. There was no associated pain, bleeding, or drainage. He had a history of several non-melanoma skin cancers in the past, but no history of basal cell carcinomas occurring in uncommon areas. His past medical history revealed chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder that required daily supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula. The tip of the left nasal cannula was next to the newly growing lesion. Additionally, the patient has a previous history of lung cancer that was successfully treated in 2005 and was not active at the time of his presentation of this lesion. The patient reported this lesion because he noticed more diffi culty in breathing than usual. There was no history of prior nasal surgery, trauma to the nose, or usage of metered dose nasal inhalers. Physical examination revealed a 0.8 cm x 0.9 cm somewhat pearly papule with a small area of crust and overlying telangiectasia (Figure 1). Previously, the patient was treated for basal cell carcinomas of the right an-