Giant basal cell carcinoma of the thoracic wall: a case report and review of the literature

Giant basal cell carcinoma is a rare skin tumour with aggressive biological behaviour, and deep invasion and metastasis have been reported. The authors describe a giant basal cell carcinoma involving the anterior chest wall. The lesion infiltrated the mediastinum, occluding the left brachiocephatic vein. Vascular invasion caused venous occlusion affecting the left upper Limb. Neither surgical treatment nor radiotherapy were practicable. (c) 2005 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.