Abstract
Carcinoma en cuirasse (CeC) is a rare case of cutaneous metastases most commonly seen in the breast or visceral organs. The term carcinoma en cuirasse is largely used to describe the coalescing and fibrotic textural changes in the skin that can be seen in these metastatic lesions, which often manifest in a large plaque-like distribution. While most cases of CeC are found on the trunk, CeC has been reported in other body locations. However, to our knowledge, it has not yet been described on the face. In this report, we discuss a rare case of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that presented on the head and neck of a 67-year-old female, for which we have coined the term "carcinoma en bascinet." This novel term stems from the fibrotic changes associated with significant metastatic carcinomas of the head and neck, which bear a resemblance to a bascinet, which is a medieval-style helmet worn by European soldiers during the 14th and 15th centuries. We present this case of carcinoma en bascinet secondary to metastatic cSCC to demonstrate how metastatic cSCC can present in a facial distribution, causing significant morbidity and, as in this case, mortality. We hope that this case will increase the awareness of the highly variable presentation of metastatic cSCC, specifically as an extensive papulonodular and fibrotic plaque, allowing patients to receive early initiation of systemic therapy for symptom management and hence maximizing their quality of life.