Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising at the Site of Repeated Microneedling-Induced Microtrauma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: Although trauma-associated basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been described, the exact etiological role of repeated mechanical microtrauma remains incompletely understood.

Case presentation: A 31-year-old male patient presented with a progressively enlarging lesion on the left frontal scalp at the frontal hairline that had been growing for 6 months. He reported daily use of a microneedling device for 3 months for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia prior to the onset of the lesion. The patient had no classical risk factors for BCC and had Fitzpatrick skin type III. Total excision was performed, and histopathological examination was consistent with nodular BCC.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of BCC developing at the site of repeated microneedling application for androgenetic alopecia. Further studies are needed to better define the long-term safety of microneedling devices.