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Recurrent basal cell carcinoma in margin-positive tumors
H I Friedman1, T Williams, S Zamora
1Department of Surgery, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, USA.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrence is high in patients with positive resection margins if not re-excised. Prompt re-excision of margin-positive BCCs prevents recurrence, especially for aggressive tumor types.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer.
- Positive resection margins after BCC removal indicate residual tumor, posing a risk for recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the recurrence rate of BCC in patients with positive resection margins.
- To identify morphological features associated with BCC recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 339 patients undergoing BCC resection.
- Analysis of 29 patients with margin-positive BCCs, divided into re-excision and observation groups.
- Pathological review of tumor characteristics: histological type, infiltration pattern, size, and site.
Main Results:
- None of the 10 patients who underwent prompt re-excision of margin-positive BCCs experienced recurrence.
- All 15 patients who did not undergo re-excision developed recurrent BCC at the original site.
- Recurrence was higher in tumors with sclerosing, mixed, or multifocal components.
Conclusions:
- Prompt re-excision of margin-positive BCCs is highly effective in preventing recurrence.
- Aggressive management of margin-positive BCCs is recommended, particularly for lesions with sclerosing or multifocal features.