Rosacea is a common, chronic condition seen most frequently in lightly pigmented skin presenting with centrofacial redness, papules, pustules, flushing, telangiectasia, and phymatous skin changes. Phymatous rosacea on the nose is called rhinophyma. This condition predominantly affects males in their 5th-7th decade of life. Rosacea has a complex pathophysiology involving the innate and adaptive immune system and its interaction with environmental stimuli. Correlation of non-melanoma skin cancer and rosacea is documented albeit uncommon, and none published from the Philippines.

This is a case of a 76-Year Old British male who presents with a 3 year history of skin colored mass on the nose, which was excised with paramedian forehead flap and was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. In the interim, the patient noted the appearance of rubbery erythematous plaque on the nose with progressively increasing size and erythema and ulceration. Skin punch biopsies were done revealing both infiltrative basal cell carcinoma and rhinophyma. Patient was eventually seen by general surgery and underwent a wide excision.

This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for malignancies in the appropriate population. The different findings of biopsy sites also reminds us of choosing the appropriate biopsy sites for accurate and timely diagnosis. Lastly, a multidisciplinary approach for successful and comprehensive treatment is of paramount importance.

Human ; Male ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Rhinophyma ; Rosacea

INTRODUCTION

Epidermal inclusion cysts require surgical intervention to prevent recurrence and symptoms. Elliptical excision is definitive but results in longer scar, while minimal incision techniques offer better cosmetic outcomes despite higher recurrence rates probably due to incomplete excision. To date, there are currently no local studies published.

METHODOLOGY

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 at a dermatology center in the Philippines. Patients were randomly assigned to minimal incision or elliptical excision techniques. Key metrics included operation time, scar length, post-operative complications, Hollander wound evaluation score (HWES), and histopathological completeness of excision.

RESULTS

Median operation duration was 31.86 minutes, with no significant difference between techniques (p = 0.5795). Post-operative scars were longer in the excision group (mean: 2.38 ± 0.66 cm) versus the minimal incision group (p < 0.001). Completeness of excision was higher in the excision group (83%) compared to the minimal incision group (27%) (p = 0.0123). Follow-up scar length was shorter in the minimal incision group (mean: 0.44 ± 0.21 cm) versus the excision group (mean: 2.1 ± 0.63 cm) (p < 0.001). HWES scores showed no significant difference in wound healing and aesthetic satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Minimal incision technique results in shorter scars but lower completeness of excision compared to elliptical excision. Both techniques have similar long-term outcomes in wound healing and aesthetic satisfaction, with no recurrences or complications beyond two weeks. The choice should balance scar length and completeness of cyst removal, considering patient-specific factors.

Human ; Cicatrix ; Cysts ; Cosmetics