Letter to the Editor

Linear Basal Cell Nevus

Authors: Arash Kimyai-Asadi, MD, Ming H. Jih, MD, PhD

Abstract

We read with interest the article of Colvett et al1 describing a patient with numerous basal cell carcinomas on the lower extremity occurring in a linear distribution. The authors concluded from the patient’s presentation that this was a case of multiple metastases occurring in a linear distribution from a primary tumor on the foot. We are concerned that their diagnosis is incorrect, and that the patient rather has a linear basal cell nevus.

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References

1.Colvett KT, Wilson FC, Stanton RA. Atypical presentation of metastatic basal cell carcinoma. South Med J 2004;97:305–307.
 
2.Johnson RL, Rothman AL, Xie J, et al. Human homolog of patched, a candidate gene for the basal cell nevus syndrome. Science 1996;272:1668–1671.
 
3.Jih MH. Linear unilateral basal-cell nevus syndrome with comedones. Dermatol Online J 2002;8:12.
 
4.Bolognia JL, Orlow SJ, Glick SA. Lines of Blaschko. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;31:157–190.