Cutaneous Non-Melanoma Malignancies with Retrobulbar Extension

Abstract

Cutaneous, non-melanoma malignancies including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are fairly slow-growing lesions that, when readily diagnosed and treated early with surgical excision, rarely become problematic. However, if these lesions continue to progress, the potential for invasion of deeper tissues with incomplete excision, as well as locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease, exists. Two cases of cutaneous malignancy, located in the temporal region, with retrobulbar extension are presented: one case of basal cell carcinoma and one case of squamous cell carcinoma. A high index of suspicion is necessary when addressing these locally aggressive, potentially life-threatening lesions.