[Factors of recurrence of basal cell carcinomas of the eyelid]

Basal cell carcinomas of the eyelids can recur, although these recurrences are uncommon. In this retrospective study, all basal cell carcinomas treated at Reims Regional Hospital since 1985 were studied to determine the frequency of recurrence and the factors for recurrence.

and methods: All basal cell carcinomas treated at Reims Regional Hospital since 1985 were studied. A total of more than 200 patients had been operated on for basal cell carcinoma during this period. Those with orbital extension or a location on 2 eyelids were excluded. Epidemiological factors such as sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, and treatment were noted. Recurrences were uncommon, presenting in ten patients. These recurrences were studied in relation to the existing epidemiological data and the treatment provided, particularly the histological results.

Basal cell carcinomas located on only 1 eyelid or 1 canthus can usually be treated with one surgical intervention. Extemporaneous histological study can preclude a local recurrence in most cases, but in some cases the condition may recur some years later. Factors favoring recurrence are difficult to determine.

The authors report the number of recurrences after surgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas of the eyelids. The recurrences are relatively uncommon when the treatment has been done with extemporaneous histological examination of the resected edges. These recurrences arise particularly in relatively young patients with no other obvious risk factor.