Cosmetic results of cryosurgery versus surgical excision for primary uncomplicated basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of multiple facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) is increasing.


OBJECTIVE
Comparison of cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision for primary BCCs.


METHODS
Cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision (prospective randomized study) of primary BCCs in the head/neck area were assessed by five independent professional observers and by the patients.


RESULTS
Ninety-six BCCs were treated either with surgical excision (n = 48) or cryosurgery (n = 48). Clinical professionals evaluated the cosmetic results after surgery as significantly better. The beautician had no preference for either therapy. The patient had a significant preference for excision. Localization and size of the tumor did not modify this general preference for excision. The male dermatologist, however, had a tendency to evaluate results in the cheek, periauricular, and neck area as inferior to those in the rest of the face, regardless of which therapy was given.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, cosmetic results after excision are better than after cryosurgery.
Thissen
M R
MR
Departments of Dermatology and Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. mthis@sder.azm.nl
Nieman
F H
FH
Ideler
A H
AH
Berretty
P J
PJ
Neumann
H A
HA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome