Cryosurgery for basal cell carcinoma treated in primary care

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent skin malignancy in Caucasians, characterized by local destructiveness and significant healthcare costs.
• Effective, cost-efficient primary care treatments with high cure rates and good cosmetic outcomes for BCC are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cryosurgery as a viable primary care treatment for selected basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) under local anesthesia.
• To assess the efficacy and cosmetic results of cryosurgery for BCC by an expert cryosurgeon.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 184 histologically confirmed BCCs in 138 patients treated over five years in a primary care setting.
• Comparison of treatment modalities including cryosurgery, primary care excision, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and referral.

Main Results:

• Cryosurgery was used for 54% (100/184) of BCCs, with excision for 31% and PDT for 7%.
• After a median follow-up of over five years for 79 patients, cryosurgery demonstrated a 95% cure rate.
• Excellent or good cosmetic outcomes were reported in 92% of BCCs treated with cryosurgery.

Conclusions:

• Cryosurgery is a highly effective treatment for selected basal cell carcinomas in primary care, offering a high cure rate and superior cosmetic results.
• The findings support cryosurgery as a safe, cost-effective, and feasible option for managing BCCs in a primary care setting.