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Basal cell carcinomas in elderly patients treated by cryotherapy
Anca Chiriac1, Doina Mihaila, Liliana Foia
1Department of Dermatology, Nicolina Medical Center, Iaşi, Romania.
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer, can be effectively treated with cryotherapy, especially in challenging cases. This simple, inexpensive method offers good results with minimal side effects for patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent malignant skin tumor, particularly affecting elderly individuals in rural areas on sun-exposed skin.
- Facial BCC presents unique treatment challenges due to cosmetic and functional considerations.
Observation:
- Three cases of basal cell carcinoma were treated using cryotherapy.
- The study focused on BCC cases that might be considered difficult to manage with standard therapies.
Findings:
- Cryotherapy demonstrated good therapeutic results in all three presented cases of basal cell carcinoma.
- The procedure was simple, inexpensive, and easy to perform, with no contraindications noted.
Implications:
- Cryotherapy offers a viable, low-cost treatment option for specific basal cell carcinoma cases.
- Minimal side effects, such as erythema and mild pain, suggest a favorable safety profile for this therapeutic approach.
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