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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:37
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Morphoeic basal cell carcinoma of the face
Paolo Erba1, Jian Farhadi, Reto Wettstein
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland. erbap@uhbs.ch
Summary
Surgical management of morphoeic basal cell carcinoma (mBCC) benefits from one-stage procedures using frozen section analysis. This method significantly increases complete resection rates compared to two-stage procedures, highlighting the importance of experienced surgical judgment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Morphoeic (or sclerosing) basal cell carcinoma (mBCC) is an aggressive subtype.
- mBCC invades the dermis beyond visible borders, complicating complete surgical excision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify surgical management variables that improve complete resection rates for mBCC.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different surgical techniques in achieving clear margins for mBCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 97 mBCC cases.
- Comparison of one-stage (frozen section analysis) versus two-stage (permanent section analysis) procedures.
- Analysis of surgeon experience and re-excision rates.
Main Results:
- One-stage procedures achieved a 91% complete resection rate versus 68% for two-stage procedures (p<0.05).
- Frozen section analysis had a 9% false-negative rate.
- Experienced surgeons demonstrated higher complete excision rates and fewer re-excisions.
Conclusions:
- Frozen section analysis is effective for assessing mBCC margin invasion.
- One-stage procedures with frozen section analysis enhance complete mBCC resection.
- Optimal mBCC treatment necessitates significant surgical experience for accurate margin assessment.
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