%0 Journal Article
%T Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience
%A Ozan Luay Abbas
%A Huseyin Borman
%J ISRN Dermatology
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/246542
%X Background. Basal cell carcinoma comprises the vast majority of skin cancers. It predominantly affects fair-skinned individuals, and its incidence is rising rapidly. Etiology may be multifactorial, but sun exposure appears to play a critical role. When detected early, the prognosis is excellent. Thus appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance are of utmost importance. Methods. From January 1994 to May 2012, 518 basal cell carcinomas were excised in our clinic. Data were collected retrospectively. Results. During 18-year period, 518 BCCs were excised from 486 patients. Most of the patients were males with a median age of 65.6 years. Most of the basal cell carcinomas were located in the head region. Nodular histological subtype dominated our series. Six percent of the excised lesions required reexcision because of involved margins. Our recurrence rate was 6.94% with the nose and the periauricular and periocular regions being the most common sites of occurrence. Conclusion. Although there is relatively low attributable mortality, the morbidity and cost of treatment are significant. A large body of information serves as a foundation for oncologic principles, diagnosis methods, surgical excisions, follow-up protocols, and reconstructive methodologies that are currently in use. Surgical ablation remains the mainstay of treatment. 1. Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm that originates from the pluripotential cells in the epidermis and hair follicles [1]. It is the most common skin cancer seen in human population [2]. It is often slow growing and may take years to enlarge significantly [3], but it can cause extensive local tissue destruction and slow death if inadequately treated or left untreated. The mortality rates associated with this cancer are low. However, it causes considerable functional and cosmetic deformity and cost of treatment is significant. In this study, we aimed to share our experience in the management of these tumors. 2. Methods Our BCC database was reviewed between 1994 and 2012. Variables collected by operating surgeon were the patient¡¯s age, sex, tumor site, size, histologic subtype, surgical margin of excision, multiplicity of lesions, presence of involved margins, recurrence during followup, and the presence of metastasis. All of the pathology specimens were examined and reported by the Department of Pathology at our center. 3. Results 3.1. Age and Sex From January 1994 to May 2012, 518 BCCs were excised from 486 patients. The median age was 65.6 (range of 20 to 93 years), 182 patients were
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.dermatology/2012/246542/