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Completed questionnaires regarding suspected risk factors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were completed by 538 basal cell carcinoma patients and 738 age-, sex-, and location-matched controls in Saskatchewan. Significant risk factors were identified using chi2 analyses. Relative risks were subsequently computed. The following relative risks were identified: occupation of farming, 1.29; prominent freckles in childhood, 1.23; family history of skin cancer, 1.22; sunburn, 1.19; Irish, Scottish, Welsh mother, 1.19; light skin color, 1.18; red/blond hair color, 1.16; and working outdoors more than 3 hours/day in winter, 1.13: The average age of cases of BCC with a family history of skin cancer was significantly lower than cases of BCC with no family history of skin cancer (63.86 vs. 67.02 years, p = 0.018). No association was noted between BCC and psoriasis.

These findings support a role for T-helper 1 type cytokines in mediating spontaneous regression of BCCs.

Exfoliative cytology probably has a high diagnostic accuracy for BCC. However, large, better designed and better reported studies are needed to ascertain the true accuracy of this technique. In the interim, this test should be considered in specific subgroups of patients in whom even a 2-mm punch biopsy may be considered inappropriate, e.g. a cosmetically sensitive site in a young person. Similarly, it should be considered when a BCC is to be treated without a diagnostic biopsy being taken, e.g. with cryotherapy.

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OP-1 Putty is a safe and effective alternative to autograft in the setting of uninstrumented posterolateral spinal arthrodesis performed for degenerative spondylolisthesis and symptomatic spinal stenosis.

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