Cosmesis and cure: Radiotherapy in basal cell carcinoma of the dorsum of nose – A case report

Abstract

Local therapy is the mainstay in basal cell carcinoma and the decision between primary surgery vs definitive radiotherapy is based on factors such as cosmesis and patients’ choice. As basal cell carcinoma most commonly affects exposed regions of skin, cosmesis becomes an important factor. Cosmesis is defined as the preservation, restoration, or bestowing of physical beauty, especially to the human body. We report a case of basal cell carcinoma involving the dorsum of nose treated by electron beam radiotherapy. Our patient presented with a lesion over the dorsum of nose. Electron beam radiotherapy to a total dose of 50 Gy was delivered using a hypofractionated regimen. Our patient demonstrated clinical complete response with an acceptable cosmesis at 2 months post treatment. We concluded that hypofractionated radiotherapy is a cosmetically acceptable primary local therapeutic option in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.