Prognostic Factors in the Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience

Skin cancers are increasingly common, forming a group of diseases that are frequently diagnosed and treated. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Its incidence is relatively high, accounting for 75% of all skin cancers and 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Identifying prognostic factors for BCC is important, and these factors should be considered in both the surgical management and follow-up of patients. This study aims to analyze patients diagnosed and treated in our clinic and to identify key prognostic factors for BCC.

Between January 2008 and December 2022, 1,154 patients with BCC were followed and treated at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Erciyes University. A total of of 1,183 lesions were retrospectively analyzed. Lesions were evaluated according to patient age, sex, anatomical location, tumor size, surgical margin status, recurrence, and metastasis.

The average age of patients with BCC was 67 years, with a higher prevalence in males. Lesions were most commonly located on the nose, infraorbital region, and frontal region. Recurrence occurred in 29 patients. The surgical margins were associated with recurrence in BCC patients, whereas tumor size had no significant effect.

In BCC patients, positive surgical margins are significantly associated with recurrence, underscoring the importance of complete excision. Because the risk of recurrence is higher in BCC lesions located in high-risk areas, particular care should be taken during both surgery and postoperative follow-up of these patients.