Beyond the scalpel: rare and experimental nonsurgical treatments for basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is typically found on sun-exposed skin and is the most common form of skin cancer. Risk factors include male sex, fair skin, increased ultraviolet radiation exposure, prior history of BCC, chronic arsenic exposure, genetic predisposition, and immunosuppression. BCC is a slow-growing tumor that typically presents as a shiny and pink papule or nodule with telangiectasias. However, its presentation varies depending on the histological type, which can be confirmed by biopsy. First-line therapies for low-risk BCC include standard surgical excision and curettage and electrodesiccation, whereas the gold standard for high-risk BCC is Mohs microscopic surgery. This review summarizes the current guidelines for BCC treatment and discusses the mechanism of action and clinical implications of alternative rare, experimental, and anecdotal treatments in the literature.