Basal cell carcinoma with intracranial invasion

The risk of invasion and destruction of cranium, underlying dura, and cranial nerves by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is extremely low, with an estimated incidence of 0.03%. Intracranial BCC invasion by direct extension is rare, and orbital spread from a nasal lesion has not been reported in the literature. We describe a case of intracranial invasion of a multiply recurrent nasal BCC, which caused progressive bilateral blindness from optic nerve compression, with spinal canal involvement causing subsequent lower extremity weakness and paralysis. This case underscores the importance of early and appropriate treatment of high risk BCC, and aggressive treatment of recurrent lesions as early as possible.