BACKGROUND: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common tumor of the skin, its occurrence on the palm is very rare. Only eight cases not associated with the basal cell nevus syndrome having been reported in the world literature so far. Among these eight cases, one was associated with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica and another with previous trauma to the site of the appearance of the lesion. OBJECTIVE: The authors report a case of palmar BCC due to its rare occurrence on that site. The case is not associated with any predisposing factors such as basal cell nevus syndrome, trauma, or preexistent dermatosis. METHODS: An incisional biopsy was performed into the border of the palmar ulcer. The histopathologic findings of the fragment, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, were characteristic of BCC. RESULTS: Following surgical removal of the lesion, there was complete healing and the patient has presented no signs of relapse after 3 years of clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: Palmar BCC not associated with the basal cell nevus syndrome or any other predisposing condition is very rare. Nevertheless, when facing an ulcerated lesion on the palm, BCC should be considered as a diagnostic possibility.
BACKGROUND: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common tumor of the skin, its occurrence on the palm is very rare. Only eight cases not associated with the basal cell nevus syndrome having been reported in the world literature so far. Among these eight cases, one was associated with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica and another with previous trauma to the site of the appearance of the lesion. OBJECTIVE: The authors report a case of palmar BCC due to its rare occurrence on that site. The case is not associated with any predisposing factors such as basal cell nevus syndrome, trauma, or preexistent dermatosis. METHODS: An incisional biopsy was performed into the border of the palmar ulcer. The histopathologic findings of the fragment, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, were characteristic of BCC. RESULTS: Following surgical removal of the lesion, there was complete healing and the patient has presented no signs of relapse after 3 years of clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: Palmar BCC not associated with the basal cell nevus syndrome or any other predisposing condition is very rare. Nevertheless, when facing an ulcerated lesion on the palm, BCC should be considered as a diagnostic possibility.