Multiple Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinomas Arising in the Normal-Appearing Skin After Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Cervix

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The most frequent radiation-induced skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and in many cases, they may occur subsequent to tinea capitis, hypertrophic tonsillitis, acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, and hyperthyroidosis. BCCs occurring after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix are extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of multiple pigmented BCCs caused by radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix. RESULTS: A 76-year-old female presented with four tumoral lesions within a previously irradiated area. The patient had undergone radiation therapy for cervical cancer 38 years before. All of the lesions were totally excised and histopathologically diagnosed as BCCs. There was no apparent gross chronic radiodermatitis around the lesions, but characteristic histopathologic alterations of radiodermatitis were observed. No new tumors were observed to date. CONCLUSION: The latent period for radiation-induced skin cancer is generally very long; secondary skin cancers can develop very late in life. Patients previously treated with radiation therapy require careful follow-up for life.