Multiple metastases of carcinoma basocellulare into spinal column

Basal cell carcinoma presents a relatively low potential and local malignan cy and very slow growth giving only occasionally metastatic spreading. The frequency of occurrence of metastatic dissemination is estimated in the lit erature depending on examined population from 0.028% to 0.55%. Metastases a re most often found in lymph nodes, lungs bones and internal organs: liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pleura and the peritoneum. Authors presen t a case of a 69-years old female with an extensive basal cell carcinoma of the head convexity, infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue, periostium, bone and dura mater, giving distant metastases to other bone and soft tissue st ructures of a thoracic spine, which was confirmed by biopsy and histopatolo gical findings of neoplasm tissue in spine. The primary lesion was successf ully treated surgically. Despite administered radiotherapy of metastases in spine, progress of the disease during 1-year period was observed. The pati ent was alive with metastatic tumours present at last follow-up. Basing on the review of the literature and our case report we can distinguish followi ng factors which may increase the risk of occurrence of basal cell carcinom a metastases: the great extent of the primary lesion, deep penetration to s tromal tissue, blood and lymph vessel invasion, long history of tumour occu rrence and the presence of metatypia in histopathological findings. The abo ve-mentioned case fulfils the criteria of carcinoma basocellulare metastase s proposed by Latters and Kessel and may be included to the general registr ation list of this cancer in the world.