[Cryosurgery of basalioma. Results of a retrospective study. Histologic study of the cryogenic lesion]

Cryosurgery is considered an alternative method in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas of the face and usually leads to excellent functional and cosmetic results. This technique can be modified depending on the number of freeze-thaw cycles. According to our experiences (220 cases), a single freeze-thaw cycle is indicated for those basal cell carcinomas which do not go beyond the middle dermis; these cases were characterized by fast wound healing and a very satisfying cosmetic outcome. Invasion of the lower dermis as well as basal cell carcinomas in skin folds require repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The specific mode of cryosurgical treatment, therefore, has to be differentiated depending on the site of the tumor and its depth of invasion.