Basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region--a five-year study (1984-88)

Two hundred and seventy-two patients with 292 lesions of basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital over a period of five years, were reviewed. Basal cell carcinoma is common in the face, the lesser pigmented mongoloid race of our population and has a higher incidence in the elderly age group. A large number (63%) of the basal cell carcinoma are of the pigmented variety, a very unusual feature. The commonest site of occurrence is the nose (37%). Of the 292 basal cell carcinoma excised, 27 (9%) had tumour involvement of the margins of excision. However, of these 27 cases, only 4 have presented with recurrent tumour. The place of close observation and immediate re-excision of positive margins is discussed. The 4 cases of recurrent basal cell carcinoma involved the nose and lip area, areas with a known higher incidence of recurrence. The results of treatment (98.7% cure rate) of this group are encouraging and compares well with those of other series and using other modalities of treatment. Longer follow-up is required.