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Author Spotlight: Advancing Facial Rejuvenation Therapy with Post-Laser Salicylic Acid Application
Published on: September 27, 2024
Shave to Save Face
Danya Traboulsi1, Habib Kurwa1
11 University of Calgary, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Background:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Terminal hair is not routinely removed for assessment of BCCs on the scalp and yet may obscure the true size of scalp BCCs. This can compromise effective management.
Objective:
To underscore the importance of removing terminal hair on the scalp for an accurate assessment of clinical margins of BCC on the scalp.
Methods:
We report 2 cases of cutaneous BCC arising on the scalp. The size of the malignancies was underestimated because they were masked by hair growth.
Results:
Removing terminal hair allowed for a full assessment of the extent of the tumours on hair-bearing scalp, which had been underestimated by 73% to 80% prior to shaving.
Conclusion:
Our cases highlight the importance of hair removal for complete assessment of cutaneous malignancy occurring on hair-bearing skin.
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