Incidence and factors associated with recurrence after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinomas: a study of 90 cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Management of incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas (BCC) remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the rate and the factors associated with the recurrence of incompletely excised BCC. METHODS: In this retrospective monocentric study, data from all surgically excised BCC during 4 years (2000 to 2003) were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 947 BCC were excised. Of these, 90 were incompletely excised (9.5%). This group was kept under clinical follow-up for a median period of 62.5 months (range 12-84). Recurrence was confirmed in 29 patients (32.2%). The median interval to recurrence was 12 months (range 1-57). Recurrence of incompletely excised BCC was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in younger patients, in aggressive histological types and in localizations like postauricular and nasogenian folds. CONCLUSION: Observation might be an acceptable option in many situations, but for patients with aggressive types of BCC, or with tumours localized in risk areas of the face, immediate re-excision appears to be the treatment of choice. A careful follow-up is indicated for at least 3 years; however, long lasted recurrence should not be underestimated.