Basosquamous Carcinoma: Controversy, Advances, and Future Directions

BACKGROUND: Basosquamous carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that has caused considerable controversy as to its classification, pathogenesis, and management. OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize current literature on the definition, pathogenesis, incidence, and management of basosquamous carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through December 2015, an electronic search of the Pubmed database was performed using combinations of basosquamous carcinoma and metatypical basal cell carcinoma as search terms. RESULTS: A selection of 39 publications including case reports and series, retrospective studies, and systematic reviews of the literature were included. Descriptions of the definition of basosquamous carcinoma, clinical behavior, histopathological characteristics, current treatment therapies, and future advances are summarized. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of basosquamous carcinoma. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanisms driving the formation of this aggressive tumor.

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