Extensive cerebral invasion of a basal cell carcinoma of the scalp

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common cutaneous malignant neoplas ms affecting fair-skinned human beings. They may progressively enlarge and spread by peripheral extension. Intracranial invasion is very rare. A case of a giant BCC of the scalp invading directly into the left hemisphe re through the frontal and parietal lobe and meninges is presented. Brain i nvasion along Virchow-Robin's spaces is demonstrated histopathologically. A review of literature failed to disclose a previous report of similar exten sive and fatal cerebral invasion from a basal cell carcinoma of the scalp. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.