Basal Cell Carcinoma

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 benefi t of being less invasive. Cryotherapy is not recommended for lesions that are: morphoeic; have poorly defi ned margins; recurrent; on the eyelid, nasolabial fold or preauricular region; fi xed 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.