An assessment of incomplete facial Basal cell carcinoma excision

To determine the rate and cause(s) of incomplete excision of basal cell carcinoma, occurring on face.

A non-interventional, descriptive study.

Plastic Surgery Unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 2002 to March 2004.

Patients with basal cell carcinoma of the face reporting to the OPD were included in the study and were booked for surgery. After excision, all tumors specimens were marked at 12 o'clock and sent to laboratory for histopathology to confirm the diagnosis and to know the completeness/incompleteness of tumor excision. If biopsy reported residual tumor in any of the margins it was noted and projected as percentage for the purpose of our results.

Out of 56 patients, 49 (87.5%) had complete excision of tumor. Six (10.7%) had residual tumor while in one (1.7%) patient, biopsy report failed to mention the involvement/clearance of margins. Six patients with residual tumor were given postoperative radiotherapy. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2-1/2 years (critical period for recurrence) with careful watch on those with residual tumor. So far, only 2 of these 6 had recurrence of lesion. Both of them were greater than 2 cm in diameter and were located on medial canthal and nasolabial region.

Chances of incomplete tumor excision are more on the mid face region. Patients with residual tumor are more prone to recurrence.