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Trauma as a Possible Etiologic Factor in Basal Cell Carcinoma

NOODLEMAN, RICHARD F. M.D.¹; POLLACK, SHELDON V. M.D.¹

¹ F. Richard Noodleman, M.D., Fellow in Dermatologic Surgery, and Sheldon V. Pollack, M.D., Chief, Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Surgery Unit, are from the Division of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.

Address reprint requests to Sheldon V. Pollack, M.D., Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Surgery Unit, P.O. Box 3915, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC 27710.

The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology 12(8):p 841-846, August 1986. | DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1986.tb01991.x

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Abstract

1774 basal cell carcinoma lesions treated by Mohs surgery between 1979 and 1986 were evaluated for previous trauma histories. These traumas include burns, sharp trauma, chicken pox scars, blunt trauma, and vaccinations. 129 (7.3%) had a previous history of trauma. Analysis revealed that patients with trauma-related tumors were slightly younger and more likely to be male. Their lesions were larger pre- and post-op, and more often required five or more Mohs surgery stages, indicating these tumors may be especially deceptive clinically. The tumors were not particularly aggressive judging by histologic type. The literature is reviewed and implications for future work suggested.