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29-04-2016 | Non-melanoma skin cancer | Article

130. Basal Cell Carcinoma

Authors: Eshini Perera, MBBS, BMedSci, Rodney Sinclair, MBBS, MD, FACD

Publisher: Springer London

Abstract

Nonmelanoma (NMSC) are the most common skin cancer in the Western world. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) account for roughly 80 % of NMSC. BCC are slow growing and rarely aggressive. A variety of treatments exist for the treatment of BCC with conventional surgical excision being the most commonly use method. Other options include Mohs’ surgery, curettage and electrodessication, laser therapies, radiotherapy and a number of topical treatments. Cryosurgery is a potentially under-utilised treatment option that offers the benefit of being less invasive. Cryotherapy is not recommended for lesions that are: morphoeic; have poorly defined margins; recurrent; on the eyelid, nasolabial fold or preauricular region; fixed to deeper structures; have a depth greater than 3 mm. Lesions greater than 2 cm in diameter can be treated segmentally. BCCs that are thick can be debulked with a curette prior to treatment. Common complications include pain, edema and blistering. When BCC lesions are selected carefully treatment outcomes are highly successful.

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Medicine Matters Oncology

Abstract