Reconstruction of Large Nasal Alar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Defect Using a Superiorly - Based Nasolabial Flap

Abstract

The nasal skin is the most common site of malignancy in the face accounting for as much as 25.5 percent by virtue of its location and propensity for direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.1-3 Among the various cutaneous malignancies, basal cell carcinoma is the most common, but other types of cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous malignant melanoma, and basosquamous carcinoma are also common.4 Following surgical resection of a malignant lesion, the defect calls for a reconstructive option that will restore aesthetics and function. We present a squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal alar skin which underwent excision and reconstruction of the defect using a superiorly based nasolabial flap.