Robert V. Kolbusz

Basal cell carcinoma on the nailfold of the right thumb

Address for correspondence: Leonard H. Goldberg, M.D., Department of Dermatology F-840, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030. out his lifetime, with previous multiple basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas on the head, neck, and back. Physical examination showed a scaly, erythematous nodule, measuring 1.8 x 1.0 cm, with a central ulceration located on the dorsal distal phalanx of the right thumb, involving the proximal and lateral nail folds (Fig. 1). Shave biopsy revealed a nodulo-ulcerative basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with a minor sclerosing component (Fig. 2). The lesion was excised using Mohs micrographic surgery. There was no involvement of the nail unit. The defect was repaired with a full thickness skin graft. Good functional results were obtained.

Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Scalp of an Indian Patient

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in whites, but it rarely occurs in dark persons. OBJECTIVE To report a BCC on the hairy scalp of an Asian Indian female with no obvious risk factors except previous scalp trauma. METHODS We review the English literature concerning BCC in Indians, and compare this with data for North American blacks and whites; and reports of BCC arising in areas of prior trauma. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Skin cancer accounts for 1–2% of malignancies in blacks and Indians, compared with one‐third of neoplasms in whites. BCC comprises 75% of skin cancers in whites, but squamous cell carcinoma represents 60–65% of skin cancers in blacks and Indians. Although most BCCs occur in sun‐exposed areas in whites, blacks, and Indians, a significant percentage also develop in photoprotected areas. Trauma may be a significant risk factor for BCC, either with actinic damage or alone, as in our case.

Aggressive trichoepithelioma versus keratotic basal cell carcinoma

A 43‐year‐old white man presented with an infiltrative le‐sion on the left nasolabial fold, which had grown slowly over 15 years. There was a history of moderate sun expo‐sure. Prior history was negative for cutaneous carcinomas. Family history was negative for trichoepithelioma. Physical examination revealed a patient with a fair complexion, blue eyes, light skin, and light brown hair. There was evidence of severe actinic damage manifested by marked solar elas‐tosis of the face. A 1.5 × 1.3 cm infiltrative, depressed, skin‐colored plaque, with elevated pearly borders was noted on the left nasolabial fold. There was nodule formation with superficial ulceration in the center of the lesion (Fig. 1). No other skin tumors were present.

VERRUCOUS CARCINOMA OF THE LIP ORIGINATING ON THE VERMILION BORDER

A 57‐year‐old white man with a long history of smoking presented with a warty growth on his lower lip that had been slowly enlarging for several years. The tumor had replaced the entire vermilion border of the lip but did not appear to invade the deeper tissues or the mucosa (Fig. 1). A biopsy was consistent with verrucous carcinoma. Excision via Mohs micrographic surgery was performed and examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma (Fig. 2).