[Follow-up of patients with a basal cell carcinoma]

Follow-up strategies for patients with carcinoma should not be based on the incidence of recurrent disease or, in basal cell carcinoma, on the incidence of new tumours. It is important to know if an intensive follow-up strategy influences overall survival and quality of life. Additionally, it is important to investigate whether follow-up should be done by a specialist or by primary health care. In basal cell carcinoma patients can play a role by examining their skin. In order to organize an effective and efficient follow-up strategy these issues must be investigated.