[The histopathology of basal cell carcinomas (author's transl)]

The authors review the different histological forms of basal cell carcinoma, paying particular attention to early forms, sometimes apparently harmless. They stress the diffusing nature of sclerodermiform carcinoma which is often more widespread than clinical appearances suggest. They indicate the current prevalence of basal cell carcinomas in the young individual aged less than 30 years, apparently the consequence of excessive exposure to sunlight. Finally, they give a number of technical indications which are useful in ensuring better orientation and more complete study of the operative specimen, if a frozen section has not been possible, since for this tumour, purely locally malignant, complete excision from the outset offers the best guarantee of cure.