Review

Metatypical basal cell carcinoma: a clinical review

Mauro Tarallo , Emanuele Cigna , Riccardo Frati , Sergio Delfino , Daniele Innocenzi , Umberto Fama , Annamaria Corbianco and Nicolò Scuderi

Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2008, 27:65doi:10.1186/1756-9966-27-65

Published:	7 November 2008

Abstract

Background

Metatypical cell carcinoma can be considered as a new entity of skin cancer, being an intermediate typology between basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The behaviour of the metatypical cell carcinoma lies between these two varieties of skin cancer. It is difficult to perform a differential diagnosis based on morphological and clinical features – therefore it is only possible by accurate histology.

Methods

The authors have retrospectively analysed clinical records of 240 patients who were affected by metatypical skin cancer and who were treated by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Results

MTC affected more males than females (62.5% vs 37.5%) than males. The most affected site was the cervicofacial area, 71.7%; then the trunk, 10%; the limbs, 9.6%; the scalp 3.7%; and other regions 5%. A recurrence occurred in 24 cases (10%), mainly in head and neck area.

Conclusion

In this manuscript, the authors have emphasised the importance of conducting a differential diagnosis, and the importance of the specific treatment for metatypical skin cancer, even though more clinical studies and long-term follow-ups are required before establishing specific guidelines.