The significance of tumor persistence after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma
UMass Chan Affiliations
Department of Medicine, Division of DermatologyDocument Type
Journal ArticlePublication Date
2002-04-01Keywords
Carcinoma, Basal CellHumans
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
Neoplasm, Residual
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Skin Neoplasms
Dermatology
Neoplasms
Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
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Show full item recordAbstract
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.Source
Berlin J, Katz KH, Helm KF, Maloney ME. The significance of tumor persistence after incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Apr;46(4):549-53. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.117733
DOI
10.1067/mjd.2002.117733Permanent Link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14038/28370PubMed ID
11907506Related Resources
Link to Article in PubMedae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1067/mjd.2002.117733