Basal cell carcinoma. Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations of Polish Dermatological Society

Abstract

Incidence of skin cancers is constantly increasing, what constitutes a significant epidemiologic problem of modern medicine. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm affecting Caucasians. Histopathological examination is a gold standard that allows for diagnosing skin cancers. The presented recommendations discuss clinical and pathomorphological sub-types of basal cell carcinoma, their dermoscopic features, stage assessment, and methods for treatment as well as prevention of recurrence of this cancer. Surgical excision of the lesion is a basic and preferred therapeutic option. Other non-surgical options show lower treatment efficacy, and thus, should be considered in cases of cancers with low risk of recurrence, when a surgery is contraindicated or impossible.

Basal cell carcinoma: what new can be learned about the most common human cancer? A cross-sectional prospective study of 180 cases in a single centre

“…Surgery, which is the standard care for all skin cancer, is not always carried out with sBCC. On the basis of the Polish Dermatological Society's recommendation, cryosurgery should be considered as the first-choice method of treatment for sBCC with low recurrence risk and size up to 2 cm [13].…”

Differences in actin expression between primary and recurrent facial basal cell carcinomas as a prognostic factor of local recurrence

“…Anti-EpCAM antibodies can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes [ 26 ]. Ber-EP4 can be used as a marker to confirm the diagnosis of BCC as well as detect the presence of metastasis or cancer cells during Mohs micrographic surgery [ 2 , 27 – 30 ]. In addition, this antigen has not been found in normal keratinocytes or in squamous cell carcinoma [ 28 ].…”

“…Treatment of facial BCC remains a challenge for surgeons. BCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, after it had already damaged the function of important facial structures and, even after extensive surgery, gives questionable aesthetic results [ 2 , 4 ].…”

Does smoking affect your skin?

“…It has been documented that aetiology of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is complex. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is a well-known risk factor for BCC development [ 75 ]. On the other hand, results of studies regarding BCC and smoking cigarettes are conflicting.…”