The significance of tumor persistence after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma
Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology
Medical Subject Headings
Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm, Residual; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms
Dermatology | Neoplasms | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
BACKGROUND: Physicians inevitably receive a pathology report after excision of a basal cell carcinoma that indicates that it is incompletely excised. The physician and patient are then left with the dilemma of whether immediate re-excision or close clinical follow-up is indicated.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to identify characteristics of incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas that are at low risk for recurrence.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and pathology slides of all incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas from 1991 to 1994 in a university hospital tumor registry.
RESULTS: Incompletely excised basal cell carcinomas of superficial or nodular subtype, less than 1 cm in diameter, located anywhere except the nose or ears, with less than 4% marginal involvement on the initial inadequate excision had no evidence of tumor persistence.
CONCLUSION: When physicians receive a pathology report indicating the incomplete excision of a basal cell carcinoma, they face the dilemma of further management. The majority of patients should undergo immediate re-excision or Mohs micrographic surgery because tumor persistence was found in 28% of cases. Occasionally, for a small group of select patients, close clinical follow-up may be indicated if the risk of recurrence is very low.
Berlin, Joshua; Katz, Kenneth H.; Helm, Klaus F.; and Maloney, Mary E., "The significance of tumor persistence after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma" (2002). Dermatology Publications and Presentations. Paper 21.