Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin

Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin

Article
Skin Care
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreFeb 24, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Micronodular Basal-Cell Cancer of Skin
  • Micronodular BCC of Skin

What is Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of skin is a malignant cancer affecting the skin. It is a slow-growing tumor generally observed in older individuals; in both men and women. This malignant carcinoma, which may be present as a lesion on the sun-exposed areas of the body, has the potential to metastasize (spread) to the lymph nodes
  • Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is an uncommon type of BCC that is present as a nodule on the skin, usually in the back. Some lesions may grow to large sizes and ulcerate. They can also infiltrate into the adjoining soft tissues and nerves. Larger tumors also have a greater tendency to recur after treatment
  • The pathologic presentation of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma and its biologic behavior put it in the category of infiltrative basal cell carcinoma of the skin. The microscopic patterns of morpheaform and sclerosing basal cell carcinoma of the skin also lead to an infiltrative pattern, with similar risks for recurrence and spread
  • The cause of development of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is unknown, but certain factors, such as chronic sun exposure, smoking, and ionizing radiation, are known to contribute towards its development. Also, fair-skinned Caucasians have a greater risk for development of this malignancy than dark-skinned Africans and Asians
  • Any combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures (surgery) are used to treat Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin. Small-sized tumors and tumors that have not metastasized can be cured through appropriate skin surgery. The prognosis for metastatic tumors depends upon many factors including the stage of the tumor, health status of the individual, and treatment response. The prognosis may be guarded in many cases

Who gets Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is an uncommon skin cancer that generally affects elderly or older adults; some cases rarely develop in children too
  • It can occur in both males and females; however;
    • Among the older age group, males are affected more than females
    • In the younger age group, females are affected more than males, which may be attributed to their tendency to acquire sun-tanned bodies or visit skin tanning parlors more
  • This condition is observed worldwide across all racial and ethnic groups; however, lighter-skinned individuals (especially Caucasians) are more prone to Micronodular BCC of Skin than darker-skinned individuals (such as Asians, Africans, etc.)

What are the Risk Factors for Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors that contribute to Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin formation include:

  • Prolonged sun exposure; exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
  • Use of tanning beds, tanning parlors
  • Arsenic exposure
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Smoking
  • The presence of certain genetic syndromes such as basal cell nevus syndrome (a rare autosomal dominant disorder) increases the risk
  • Caucasians are more vulnerable compared to other darker-toned individuals
  • Immunosuppressed patients have a higher risk of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. This includes patients with leukemia/lymphoma, those receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and HIV-AIDS patients

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of development of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is not completely known, in a majority of cases
  • Although, genetic mutations have been detected in basal cell carcinomas that are currently being characterized
  • Most BCCs are sporadic in origin i.e., they occur in a random fashion

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin?

Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin signs and symptoms may include:

  • Micronodular BCC of Skin is a slow-growing malignant tumor. The tumor is a typical skin lesion that has a nodular appearance
  • The surface of the nodule may be red, if intact. Else, it may appear as an ulcer, if the surface is eroded
  • It is typically observed on sun-exposed areas of the body; the most common site is the back
  • The tumor may be solitary or many in number. In children, if it is associated with basal cell nevus syndrome, then multiple lesions may be observed
  • Some Micronodular BCC of Skin may have pigmented appearance and may resemble a melanoma
  • Most lesions are less than 1-2 cm, but some may grow to larger sizes of even 10 cm
  • The carcinoma has a tendency to invade into the surrounding nerves
  • The lesion may grow and there may be itching sensation, ulceration, and bleeding

How is Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin Diagnosed?

Some of the tests that may help in diagnosing Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin include:

  • Complete physical examination with detailed medical history evaluation
  • Examination by a dermatologist using a dermoscopy, a special device to examine the skin
  • Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
  • Skin or tissue biopsy: A skin or tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
  • Differential diagnosis of other tumors should be ruled out; hence, biopsy is an important diagnostic tool

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin?

The complications of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin could include:

  • If the tumor becomes big, develops into a firm mass and ulcerates, it can get secondarily infected with bacteria or fungus
  • Metastasis to regional lymph nodes can occur. The tumor can also infiltrate into surrounding structures
  • Micronodular BCC of Skin can cause cosmetic issues, since these skin tumors can cause large ulceration (termed rodent ulceration)
  • Recurrence of the tumor; recurrence is more common with large tumors. The risk of recurrence is also higher with Micronodular BCC compared to other BCC subtypes
  • Side effects of chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation therapy

How is Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin Treated?

In general, the treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin depends upon a variety of factors including:

  • The subtype of BCC
  • The location of the tumor
  • The number of tumors
  • The size of the tumor
  • Whether the tumor has metastasized

A combination of treatment methods may be used to treat Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin. The type of surgery may include:

  • Excision of tumor: In this procedure, the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed with clear margins. Depending upon the amount of skin removed, surgical sutures may be necessary
  • Mohs surgery: In this procedure, the tumor is removed layer by layer precisely, until clear margins are achieved. Each layer removed is examined under a microscope through a ‘frozen section’ procedure, for the presence of residual tumor. If BCC is present at the margin of a specimen, another layer is taken at the specific site until a “tumor-free defect” is achieved. Then, a plan for repair or other healing of the defect is made
  • Superficial radiation therapy is an effective non-surgical therapy

In most cases, a surgical removal of the entire tumor is the preferred treatment option. This can result in a cure.

  • If the tumor has metastasized (in rare cases), then a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures may be used to treat the tumor
  • Targeted therapy medications are generally used for locally infiltrated or metastatic BCCs. This therapy destroys the tumor cells by acting against the proteins that are responsible for tumor growth. These include vismodegib and sonidegib
  • Large tumors that have infiltrated surrounding structures can be treated with radiation therapy (the use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells)
  • Large tumors after complete skin excision may need skin grafting
  • Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals

Other techniques to treat this skin cancer (sometimes, when surgery may not be an option) may include:

  • Cryotherapy: Here the tumor tissue is destroyed through a freezing technique. Typically, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tumor
  • Topical creams, such as 5-fluorouracil cream and imiquimod cream, are two examples that can be used for topical treatment. These creams may be applied for several weeks, which slowly destroys the tumor

Note: If multiple lesions occur in children, then the possibility of basal cell nevus syndrome should be eliminated.

Generally, proper follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged. In the case of large lesions, close follow-up and periodic observation is essential, since they have a tendency to recur. This is especially true in the case of Micronodular BCC of Skin.

How can Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin be Prevented?

Currently, Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is a malignant skin cancer that has no preventive measures. However, the following factors may help reduce the risk for the condition:

  • Avoid or minimize sun exposure
  • Limit the use of tanning beds, tanning parlors
  • Smoking cessation
  • If it is caused by certain underlying disorders, then treating the underlying condition may help in the treatment and early cure of Micronodular BCC of Skin
  • Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory, due to its metastasizing potential and high possibility of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary

What is the Prognosis of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • In general, the prognosis of Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin is excellent, if it is detected and treated early. However, if it metastasizes to the local lymph nodes, the prognosis is guarded or unpredictable
  • In such cases of metastatic BCC, its prognosis depends upon a set of several factors that include:
    • Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
    • The surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning if the tumor can be removed completely)
    • Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared to those with poor health
    • Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
    • Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have a poorer prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
    • Response to treatment: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond so well to treatment
  • Without treatment (or with delayed treatment), Micronodular Basal-Cell Cancer of Skin can metastasize, and this may result in a poor prognosis
  • Close and regular follow-up and long-term monitor for recurrence of BCC must be maintained

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin:

There are multiple types of Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin:

  • Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
  • Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
  • Infiltrating Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
  • Micronodular Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
  • Fibroepithelial Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin with Adnexal Differentiation
  • Basosquamous Carcinoma
  • Keratotic Basal Cell Carcinoma of Skin
Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!