Early investigation by fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography of a metastatic basal cell carcinoma presenting with spinal cord compression: A case report.

Abbreviations used: F-FDG: fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose BCC: basal cell carcinoma CK: cytokeratin CT: computed tomography MRI: magnetic resonance imaging PET/CT: positron emission tomography and computed tomography INTRODUCTION The incidence rate of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States is estimated at 2.8 million new cases each year, of which, 80% are of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) type. The real incidence of BCC is difficult to determine with precision, as they are usually excluded from most cancer registries. The cumulative lifetime risk of skin cancer is about 20% in the United States and even higher in countries with a greater proportion of fair-skinned individuals where the lifetime risk reaches up to 30% of the population. For both melanomas and BCC, the major etiologic factors include natural and artificial exposure to ultraviolet radiation. BCC is usually treated by excision, with histologic margin control. Although this type of skin cancer has a high incidence, few will eventually show progression or recurrence. BCC shows a very low mortality rate. Metastases are infrequent, and BCC progression is usually characterized by a locoregional spread. However, recurring BCC is more difficult to treat and, if left untreated, can lead to deformities and debilitating effects, ultimately causing death.