Metastatic basal cell carcinoma presenting as unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy: Report of a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND. Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, the incidence of metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC) is exceedingly low. Of reported cases, it is estimated that up to 85% arise in the head and neck region. OBJECTIVE. Case presentation of a BCC measuring 1.1 cm arising in a nonfacial site that presented with unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. METHODS. Case presentation with literature review. RESULTS. Risk factors which should lead to a higher index of suspicion among clinicians for identifying these patients include large tumor size, previous irradiation, local invasion, and recurrence. The lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and skin are among the most common sites in which metastases arise. CONCLUSION. We report an unusual case of MBCC arising from a small, nonfacial primary BCC that presented with unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy.