[Surgical vs nonsurgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma]

Numerous therapeutic options are now available for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, few randomized controlled trials with 5-year follow-up have compared the effectiveness of the different treatments. Such a comparison is difficult, probably because efficacy depends on several factors: those related to the tumor, the patient, the technique, and the dermatologist's experience. We first describe the available therapeutic options, including certain innovative treatments. We have divided them into 2 main groups-surgical and nonsurgical-and focus on the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of each one, as well as on the cure and recurrence rates. Then, based on the evidence reviewed, we attempt to provide an outline of the therapeutic strategies recommended in basal cell carcinoma, and the approach to be used in specific situations. We also describe our own experience.