Treatment of Facial Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Review
Author Information
Author(s): Vanessa Smith, Shernaz Walton
Primary Institution: Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull and Hull York Medical School
Conclusion
Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for treating facial basal cell carcinomas, but standard surgical excision is also effective.
Supporting Evidence
- Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of cancer in the western world.
- Standard surgical excision has a 5-year recurrence rate of up to 10% when adequate margins are taken.
- Mohs micrographic surgery has 5-year cure rates of between 93.5% and 100% for primary tumors.
- Recurrence rates for curettage and electrocautery range from 7.7% to 19% at 5 years.
- Radiotherapy is not appropriate for recurrent BCCs or patients with certain syndromes.
Takeaway
Basal cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer, especially on the face, and there are many ways to treat it, but some methods work better than others.
Methodology
The review discusses various treatment options for facial basal cell carcinoma, including Mohs micrographic surgery, standard excision, curettage, cryosurgery, and topical treatments.
Limitations
There is little good randomized controlled data available comparing treatment modalities.
Participant Demographics
The study references various populations, including Caucasian men and women, but specific demographics for participants in the review are not provided.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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