Work

Aggressive Basal Cell Carcinoma With Rib Metastasis: An Uncommon Presentation of a Common Skin Cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, generally characterized by slow growth and minimal risk of metastasis. However, in rare cases, particularly those left untreated for extended periods, BCC can become deeply invasive and even metastatic. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a long-neglected ulcerating facial tumor that was ultimately diagnosed as BCC with extensive local invasion and biopsy-proven metastasis to the left anterior fifth rib. Imaging revealed destruction of the maxilla, orbit, and palate. The patient was managed with a multimodal approach, including hedgehog pathway inhibition with vismodegib, immune checkpoint blockade with cemiplimab, palliative radiation therapy, and ultimately extensive surgical resection. The coordinated therapeutic response led to clinical improvement and disease stabilization. This case underscores the potential aggressiveness of neglected BCC and reinforces the value of early detection and comprehensive, multidisciplinary management in advanced presentations.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85762

Authors: Junu Giri, Ammar Al Heyasat, Sandesh Neupane, Maida S Chaudhry, Indira Poojary

Institutions: Community Health Systems - Crestwood Medical Center, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance

Language: English

Topic: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4411211086