Head and neck skin cancer: preplanned pathologically controlled excision and reconstruction

Over a seven year period, 168 basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck area were treated. These were excised under rigid pathological control. Immediate repair was performed using preplanned geometrically designed closures. A broad overview of the literature that prompted the beginning of this seven year prospective study has been given. The treatment procedures have been described in detail. The accuracy of rapid frozen sections is proven and the results of preplanned pathologically controlled resection are given. No recurrences were seen in 168 cases. The reconstructive procedures were based on the preplanned geometry and the cosmetic results are successful in most cases (94%).