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

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.