Basal cell carcinoma. Identification and treatment of the high-risk patient.
BACKGROUND
Some cutaneous basal cell carcinomas have a significant potential to recur, disfigure, and metastasize.


OBJECTIVE
The identification and selection of treatment of these high risk carcinomas is based on a review of studies of recurrence, giant size, metastasis, and mortality.


RESULTS
Basal cell carcinomas with any of the following: long duration, location in the mid face or ear, larger than 2 cm, with aggressive histologic subtype, previous treatment, neglected, or a history of radiation exposure, should be considered "high risk."


CONCLUSIONS
For basal cell carcinomas with this high risk profile, complete excision by margin control or total destruction should be considered.
Randle
H W
HW
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*