A massive neglected giant basal cell carcinoma in a schizophrenic patient treated successfully with vismodegib

J Dermatolog Treat. 2015;26(6):575-6. doi: 10.3109/09546634.2015.1034073. Epub 2015 Apr 24.

Abstract

The small molecule vismodegib is a great treatment alternative to patients challenged, e.g. psychiatric disorders, suffering from severe basal cell carcinoma of the skin in which surgery or other treatment modalities is not possible because of patient's wish or condition. We present a case of a 73-year-old schizophrenic patient with a 15-year history of a neglected tumour located at the forehead and scalp, admitted to hospital in a state of inanition because of tumour expansion to the meninges and severe anaemia caused by bleeding, treated successfully with vismodegib.

Keywords: Non-melanoma skin cancer; psycho-dermatology; small molecule.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anilides / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pyridines / therapeutic use*
  • Scalp / pathology
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Anilides
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • HhAntag691
  • Pyridines