[Giant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the nose with subsequent brain extension].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is an invasive and destructive tumor, and may cause death by local extension or because of metastasis. We report the case of a patient with a giant squamous cell carcinoma of the nose and extension to the brain and discuss the main risk factors from this extension.

OBSERVATION:

Resection of a giant squamous cell carcinoma was performed of the nose in a 45 year-old man after debulking radiotherapy. Histological examination disclosed a well-differentiated tumor and perineural involvement, with at least a 6 mm margin. A first relapse occurred on the orbital edge of the initial resection, the lesion was removed revealing an involvement of the infra-orbital nerve. Whilst the patient was receiving chemotherapy, a second relapse occurred responsible for ophthalmoplegia and loss of vision, with involvement of the left orbital apex, cavernous sinus and temporal lobe. The patient died from grand mal seizures.

DISCUSSION:

Brain extension of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head is rare. It develops along the anatomic pathways, especially perineural spread. Main risk factors for such a poor course are discussed, including the size of tumor, the anatomic site, the depth and perineural invasion.

• Authors: C Bachmeyer, G Reynaert, L Pen, F Kazerouni, A Cazier, J Schwarz
• Journal: Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie (Ann Dermatol Venereol) 2004 Aug-Sep Vol. 131 Issue 8-9 Pg. 791-4 ISSN: 0151-9638 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Carcinome épidermoïde cutané géant du nez avec extension cérébrale secondaire.
• PMID: 15505546 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Brain Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic (etiology)
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
• Nose Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)