Introduction – Objective:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common cancer amongst Caucasians. Approximately
85% of BCC occurs on the face, and 25 – 30% of periocular tumors affect the medial
canthus. Most authors advocate the use of flaps in reconstructing post excision defects
in the region of medial canthus. We aim at presenting the treatment of a T2 BCC of
medial canthus with grafting with full-thickness skin graft.
Material – Method:
We had to deal with a 92-year-old female suffering from a T2 BCC of left medial canthus
spreading to nasal pyramid. After excision under local anesthesia, a full-thickness
skin graft was harvested from the clavicular area and sutured to cover the defect
(Photo presentation).
Results:
Immediately postoperatively epiphora was present – most probably due to pressure of
usual coverage that is sutured on full-thickness skin grafts. However, it resolved
completely 3 weeks later. Otherwise, follow-up shows excellent results both from the
aesthetic and functional (movements of upper and lower lid) point of view (Photo presentation).
No recurrence has been observed so far.
Conclusion:
Though most authors are rather skeptical if not against the use of full-thickness
skin grafts in the region of medial canthus we believe that the meticulous use of
such a graft can be mostly beneficial for our patients, if not for anything else,
at least for protecting them from extra facial scars caused by operations involving
flaps.
