Lines under the eyes: a large prospective case series of linear basal cell carcinomas

• Published in: Archives of dermatological research Vol. 315; no. 3; pp. 621 - 624
• Main Authors: Rutkowski, D., Collier, N. J., Telfer, N., Ghura, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-04-2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Basal cell carcinoma; Cancer surgery; Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - surgery; Dermatology; Epidemiology; Eye - pathology; Eyes & eyesight; Face; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Microsurgery; Mohs Surgery - methods; Mutation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - pathology; Retrospective Studies; Short Report; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Skin Neoplasms - surgery
• ISSN: 1432-069X; 0340-3696; 1432-069X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02385-5

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common form of cancer globally. Linear BCCs are an unusual variant which are generally defined by having a length three times longer than the width and exhibiting relatively straight edges. In this report, we describe the largest global cohort (
n
 = 31) with this rare subtype. Within this cohort, 22 were in the periocular region, 27 underwent Mohs micrographic surgery and 12 involved oculoplastic reconstruction. These results suggest that, whilst this subtype is relatively rare, it may be more prevalent than previously thought. Dermatologists and other specialities managing skin cancer, particularly ophthalmologists, should, therefore, be aware of this subtype, as it is often more aggressive than other BCC subtypes, often requiring multi-disciplinary management.