Basal cell carcinoma in Queensland

An analysis is presented of a referred series of 1411 basal cell carcinomas treated by surgical excision and plastic surgical repair in which 259 were recurrent after previous other treatments. Of the 1,411 BCCs treated there were 10 BCCs which recurred (0.7% recurrence rate). A further 10 BCCs were primarily re-excised because of inadequate clearance around the tumour found on histological examination. (0.7% primary re-excision). The cases recurrent after previous treatment did not behave badly in terms of subsequent recurrence as they were widely excised and carefully observed in the postoperative years. Surgery must aim to be curative. We clearly define the tumour margin using magnification and mark an adequate clearance of surrounding normal tissue. This is then excised in width and depth. Repair of the defect is carried out to restore the area to as near normal as possible. Surgical repair is able to bring new tissue into the area to further enable it to withstand the rigours of the climate and not leave behind a premalignant scarred area.