Giant basal cell carcinoma of the anterior chest wall with bone invasion

Abstract

Giant basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the chest wall is rare and poses challenges related to resection and reconstruction. A 69-year old man presented with giant BCC invading sternum. Wide resection and reconstruction with polymethylmethacrylate and mesh was performed. The soft tissue defect was covered with a pedicled omental flap and skin graft. He developed an infection requiring removal of the mesh construct; however, debridement and antibiotics cleared the infection. This case illustrates the locally aggressive nature of this disease and the need for tertiary-level care. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.