Basal cell carcinoma on the dorsum of the hand: report of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy, although the appearance on the dorsum of the hand appears to be rare.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe patients with BCC of the dorsum of the hand in a large cohort of BCC patients and to provide a review of the literature.

METHODS

Eleven patients with a BCC on the dorsum of the hand were identified. Information on age at diagnosis, sex, treatment and follow up, presence of additional malignancies, etc., was gathered from medical records.

RESULTS

Between January 1985 and December 1995, 2990 BCCs were registered, of which 11 were located on the dorsal aspect of the hand (0.37%). Nine patients were male and most patients had a history of multiple skin malignancies. Most of the BCCs were nodular or had a nodular component. Solar elastosis was frequently seen. The percentage of 0.37% compares well with BCC located on the dorsum of the hand in other studies, but also with other parts of the body per skin surface area (except the face and neck area).

CONCLUSIONS

The density of BCC on the dorsum of the hand is much lower than in the face and neck area but compares well with other parts of the body.