Basal Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal and Conchal Bowl

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in humans, and is the most common cutaneous malignancy in the United States. It affects close to 4 million people per year, or one in five Americans. BCC typically arise in sun-exposed areas of the body, due to damage caused by UV light. Although sunlight exposure is the most predictive risk factor for BCC, it can also occur by other methods, giving rise to BCCs that are not in sun-exposed areas of the skin. This case report describes a BCC located in the conchal bowl with extension into the external auditory canal (EAC), a site that is rare for BCC to occur. We are presenting this case to raise awareness of the fact that BCCs could occur anywhere on the body, and dermatologists as well as other clinicians should be observant in their total-body examinations. In addition, we are emphasizing the fact that treating BCC often is a multi-disciplinary effort, and interdisciplinary communication between dermatologic and surgical teams is key to successfully excise BCC in atypical areas.