BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD-AND-NECK REGION: A SINGLE CENTER ANALYSIS OF 1,750 TUMORS

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in humans with a pre-dominance for the sun-exposed head-and-neck region. Its incidence is rising world-wide. Early detection and appropriate treatment ensures an excellent prognosis. We analyzed patients with BCC of the head-and-neck region treated at our Department from January 2008 to December 2012 with a follow-up between 2 to 6 years. Data were collected retrospectively. During a 4-year period, 1,750 BCC lesions of head-and-neck region were excised from 1,380 patients. Distribution of gender among the patients was nearly even. Mean age of patients was 74.3±11.4 years. Solid histological subtype dominated the series. Most tumors were removed surgically by delayed MOHS technique (77.0%). The recurrence rate of BCC was 1.6%. The highest recurrence rate of 15.5% was seen in cases of morphea-like BCC compared to 3.9% among solid BCC. The recurrence rate among R0 resected tumors was 0.24% compared to 19.8% among R1-resections (Pearson's Chi-square 56.000). The majority of recurrences occurred within the first 5 year-interval (64%). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for recurrences demonstrated an Odd's ratio for recurrences of 54.89 (95% confidence interval, 21.16, 142.37) in case of R1-resection status. Gender had a minor influence with a slight benefit toward males versus females (Odd's ratio 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.28, 0.92). The age of the patients had no impact on recurrence rate. Although there is relatively low mortality attributable to BCC, the morbidity and cost of treatment are significant. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment. For head-and-neck BCC, delayed MOHS surgery offers significantly lower recurrence in both primary BCC and recurrent (secondary) BCC.