Hazards encountered in management of basal cell carcinomas of the midface

Basal cell carcinomas often exhibit aggressive and destructive behavior on the midface, with invasion into the orbit, paranasal sinuses, and even the frontal fossa. Minor modifications in surgical procedures for cosmetic considerations may have devastating consequences on the patient's survival. Tumor extirpation should not be compromised by preoperative planning of the method of reconstruction to be used. Margin control intraoperatively with either conventional frozen sections or the fresh tissue Mohs technique is mandatory for success. If any margin is questionable, reconstruction should be delayed at least until permanent sections confirm complete tumor removal. Ten cases are presented and the literature reviewed to emphasize that inadequate initial management probably contributes more to the observed destructiveness of these lesions than histologic aggressiveness or embryologic patterns of the midface.