Basal-cell carcinomas of the temple

A size comparison of basal-cell carcinomas on the temple referred for microscopically controlled excision (chemosurgery, fresh-tissue type) with those on the cheek confirms that tumors in the former area are larger than those in the latter. Possible reasons for this size difference are considered. Of the most interest is the fact that the size differential was not due to a higher incidence of larger, sclerosing tumors. The temple should probably be considered a "high risk" location similar to the perinasal, periocular, and periauricular areas and the scalp.