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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:53
Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
The management of basal cell carcinomas
Irish Medical Journal
|August 23, 2006
Summary
This audit of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) management found significant delays in patient treatment. Frequent biopsies and high referral rates to plastic surgery contributed to these service deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has low mortality but high incidence, posing a significant health service burden.
- Audits are crucial for evaluating and improving the management of common dermatological conditions like BCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit the management of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) within a dermatology department.
- To identify service deficiencies and delays in the patient pathway for BCC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of BCC cases managed by the dermatology department.
- Analysis of patient pathways, including time to treatment and referral patterns.
Main Results:
- Mean delays from first visit to treatment were 62 days (dermatology) and 129 days (plastic surgery).
- Diagnostic incisional biopsies were frequently used (72%) despite accurate clinical diagnosis (90%), causing extra visits.
- Over 50% of BCC cases were referred to plastic surgery, with only 43% treated definitively by dermatology.
Conclusions:
- Current BCC management pathways involve significant delays, often due to unnecessary biopsies and high referral rates.
- Service improvements are planned to streamline BCC treatment and reduce patient waiting times.
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