East Avenue Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Metro Manila, Philippines
*Corresponding author:Marianne Isabel A Sayo, MD, DPDS, East Avenue Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, E-mail: mariel.sayo@yahoo. com
Submission:October 03, 2022; Published: October 31, 2022
ISSN 2639-0531Volume3 Issue4
Background: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defects
in melanin synthesis that affect the skin, eyes, and hair. This melanin deficiency causes albino patients to
be at a higher risk for sun-induced skin cancers. Herein, this report highlights the rare occurrence of basal
cell carcinoma (BCC) in a Filipino with oculocutaneous albinism.
Case: A 25-year-old Filipino female presented with a 1-year history of a keratotic plaque on the neck.
She had milky-white skin, silvery hair, and blue eyes at birth that gradually darkened with age with
progressive photosensitivity and photophobia. No family history of albinism nor consanguineous
marriage was noted. Physical examination revealed a fair-skinned patient with brown hair, gray-tinted
irises, marked nystagmus, and decreased visual acuity. Clinical and genetic counseling was done leading
to the diagnosis of OCA IB. In addition to this, an erythematous keratotic plaque on the left side of the
neck was noted and upon dermoscopy, short fine telangiectasias, ulceration and yellow crusts were seen.
Skin biopsy was done that showed tumor islands with atypical basaloid cells and a retraction artifact
diagnostic of nodular BCC. She underwent Mohs micrographic surgery for her BCC, was recommended to
follow-up regularly for screening, and was advised strict sun protection.
Conclusion: The hypopigmented skin of this patient with oculocutaneous albinism predisposed her to
severe skin damage that led to the development of basal cell carcinoma. Due to melanin deficiency, it is
recommended to closely observe, regularly follow-up, and advise strict sun protection as early as possible
to prevent skin cancer in this population.
Keywords:Oculocutaneous albinism, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanin, Nonmelanoma skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery, ultraviolet
Abbreviations:OCA: Oculocutaneous Albinism; BCC: Basal Cell Carcinoma; UV: Ultraviolet; NMSC: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer; H&E: Hematoxylin & Eosin