Therapy of basal cell carcinoma--treatment in 1980-81 compared with 1985-86 and advantages of shave excision for smaller tumours.
A survey of basal cell carcinoma treatments in two 12-month periods, 1980-81 and 1985-86, revealed that more tumours and an older age group of patients were presenting to the Lancaster dermatology department in the latter period. Whereas the most frequent surgical treatment in 1980-81 was curettage and cautery, shave excision and cautery was the treatment of choice in 1985-86. Shave excision is quick, easy to perform and gives good specimens for histological assessment. The method is suitable for smaller tumours but not for more difficult tumours or tumours in difficult sites.
Harrison
P V
PV
Department of Dermatology, Beaumont Hospital, Lancaster, U.K.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*