Cancer lump on back of head
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Cancer Lump on Back of Head: Insights from Recent Research
Basosquamous Carcinoma (BSC) on the Head
Characteristics and Diagnosis Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare but aggressive skin tumor that can appear on the head. It has a higher potential for invasiveness and metastasis compared to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A case study described a 37-year-old woman who presented with a lump on the back of her head that had been growing for five years, accompanied by itching and bleeding. The mass was soft and measured approximately 25 x 20 cm. A pre-operative diagnosis indicated a skin tumor, and surgical management was performed, including wide excision and skin grafting. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of BSC.
Treatment and Outcomes The primary treatment for BSC involves surgical excision. In the reported case, the patient underwent successful surgery, and the skin defect was covered with a transposition flap and a split-thickness skin graft. Post-surgery, the patient showed no complaints, and hair regrowth was observed three months later.
Cytokeratin-Positive Interstitial Reticular Cell Tumor (CPIRCT)
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis CPIRCT is another rare tumor that can manifest as a lump on the head. These tumors typically present as progressive, painless swellings. A case report highlighted a patient with a large scalp tumor initially misdiagnosed as a benign lipoma. During surgery, significant bone destruction was discovered, and further imaging revealed a mass with both extracranial and intracranial components. The final diagnosis was CPIRCT.
Treatment and Challenges Radical excision is the main treatment for CPIRCT, although there is no universally accepted treatment strategy. Imaging studies are crucial before surgery, especially for fast-growing lesions, to avoid complications and ensure accurate diagnosis. Long-term follow-up is necessary due to the potential for recurrence and metastasis.
Scalp and Calvarial Masses in Children
Common Types and Diagnosis A review of 70 children with solitary nontraumatic lumps on the head found that 61% were dermoid tumors, 9% were cephalhematoma deformans, 7% were eosinophilic granulomas, and 4% were occult meningoceles and encephaloceles. Some of these lumps had significant intracranial extension, necessitating thorough diagnostic imaging.
Diagnostic Imaging Initial diagnostic work-up should include plain skull roentgenograms to assess the multiplicity of lesions and computed tomographic scans to evaluate possible intracranial extension. This approach helps in planning appropriate surgical interventions and managing potential complications.
Conclusion
Lumps on the back of the head can be indicative of various conditions, ranging from benign to malignant tumors. Basosquamous carcinoma and cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticular cell tumors are rare but significant causes that require careful diagnosis and treatment. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment, but thorough imaging and long-term follow-up are essential to manage these conditions effectively. For children, a variety of benign and potentially serious conditions can present as lumps on the head, highlighting the importance of comprehensive diagnostic imaging.
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