Basal cell carcinoma of the head region: therapeutical results of 350 lesions treated with Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non-melanocytic skin tumour with a high risk of recurrence after incomplete treatment, especially the aggressive subtypes (basosquamous, micronodular and morphea BCC). The percentage of recurrence also depends on the anatomical site of the tumour. Nose-cheek fold, paranasal fold, retroauricular fold and internal canthus are considered to be critical sites. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report on recurrence rates for BCC treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 350 BCCs of the head region treated with MMS. Results were analysed with chi-squared test and Fisher test and were considered significant when P value was ≤0.05. RESULTS: In our study, the percentage of BCC recurrence rate after MMS was of 3.4% for primary BCC and 4.9% for recurrent BCC; these were similar to the recurrence rates reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Low recurrence rate can be achieved when treated with MMS; it is the treatment of choice for many BCC of the head. Aggressive histopathological subtypes, critical head sites and recurrence after incomplete excision are the most important indications for MMS.