SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF RHINOPHYMA ASSOCIATED WITH BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA- REPORT OF 4 CASES

Rhinophyma, the end stage in the development of rosacea, is characteri zed by sebaceous hyperplasia, fibrosis, follicular plugging, and telan giectasis. Although it is commonly considered a cosmetic problem, it c an also cause gross airway obstruction. Many patients suffer psychic t rauma as a result. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)I and sebaceous carcinoma (SC) have been reported previously in association with rhinophyma. It would appear that the incidence of mal ignancy in rhinophyma is significantly greater than in the skin of nor mal noses. It is the purpose of this report to discuss and emphasize t he need for histologic examination of all the surgically removed tissu e in patients with rhinophyma. Early surgical treatment is advocated e ven in minimal rhinophyma, this can result in gratification for both t he patient and the surgeon. Forts illustrative cases are presented.