Intralesional bleomycin combined with cryosurgery in basal cell carcinoma: A case report in a geriatric patient

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant skin tumor. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, however, in elderly patients, it may not be feasible. Intralesional bleomycin has been proposed as a less invasive alternative.

Case report: A 92-year-old woman with nodular BCC on the right cheek, with a 2-year history, was treated with monthly intralesional infiltrations of bleomycin (2 U + lidocaine) combined with cryosurgery for 3 months.

Results: Clinical improvement was observed from the second month, with reduction in tumor size and resolution of bleeding, pruritus, and burning. No significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: Intralesional bleomycin combined with cryosurgery appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) who are not candidates for surgery. Nevertheless, further clinical studies are needed to establish standardized treatment protocols.