# Basal Cell Carcinoma Infiltrating the Facial Bones—Is It Really a Thing of the Past? Personal Experience over 30 Years and a Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

This study examines whether basal cell carcinoma can still invade facial bones, using 30 years of clinical data and literature review.

## Contribution

The paper provides updated clinical insights into the rare occurrence of bone-invasive basal cell carcinoma in facial regions.

## Key findings

- Bone-invasive BCC was found in elderly patients with large tumors on the nose and forehead.
- Smaller nasal tumors were treated with local flaps, while larger lesions required skin grafts.
- Literature confirms that bone invasion is rare and linked to long-standing tumors in high-risk areas.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, typically exhibiting slow growth and limited metastatic potential. However, in rare, long-standing cases, particularly in high-risk facial regions, deep infiltration into structures such as bone may occur. This study aimed to evaluate whether BCC with bone involvement remains a relevant clinical issue, based on three decades of clinical experience, supplemented by a review of the existing literature. Methods: Medical records of patients treated for facial BCC between 1994 and 2025 at a dermatologic surgery department in Lower Silesia were retrospectively reviewed. Among more than 10,000 cases, eight instances of histologically confirmed bone invasion were identified. Clinical and surgical parameters were analyzed, including patient age, tumor size and location, prior treatment and reconstruction method. Relevant literature was incorporated to provide broader clinical context. Results: Patients with bone-invasive BCC were elderly (mean age: 75.3 years, SD: 10.94 years) and lesions were typically large (mean diameter 38.9 mm), most frequently located on the nose and forehead. Many cases lacked previous treatment. Smaller nasal tumors were managed with local flaps, while larger lesions on the forehead and temple required skin grafts. Findings from the literature confirm that bone invasion is rare and usually associated with long-standing tumors in anatomically high-risk areas. Conclusions: Although rare, BCC with bone infiltration remains a clinically relevant phenomenon, particularly in elderly patients with advanced or recurrent tumors. Early diagnosis, complete excision with histologically clear margins, and individualized surgical planning are essential to prevent deep tissue involvement. Imaging should be reserved for cases in which advanced local invasion is clinically suspected.