Basal cell carcinoma in children: report of 3 cases.

BACKGROUND The peak incidence of basal cell carcinoma occurs in the seventh decade of life and is rare in children. When found in the pediatric age group, basal cell carcinoma is usually associated with a genetic defect, such as basal cell nevus syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, or nevus sebaceus. In areas of intense UV radiation exposure, such as the southwestern United States, children may be at increased risk of developing this malignancy de novo. OBSERVATIONS Three children (2 boys, aged 8 and 16 years, and an 11-year-old girl) from Tucson, Ariz, with isolated basal cell carcinoma unassociated with any other disease or syndrome are described. CONCLUSIONS Basal cell carcinoma in children is probably the result of a combination of UV radiation exposure and genetic background. Early recognition in children can prevent extensive tissue destruction and excess scarring after excision. A higher index of suspicion for basal cell carcinoma may also aid in prompt diagnosis of a possible genetic disorder, such as basal cell nevus syndrome.