title: Nodular basal cell carcinoma: when in doubt, cut it out.
abstract: Treating superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) with photodynamic therapy or topical imiquimod can provide effective results in situations where an excisional approach is contraindicated or undesirable. Numerous studies have sought to test these treatments for nodular BCCs. Recent larger studies better define the efficacy of these alternative modalities. With treatment failures expected in at least 25% of patients, these approaches are not comparable to surgery. At the same time, it appears that cosmetic outcomes are superior to excisional approaches.
authors.forename: Isaac
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brownell
mesh_terms: D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; C475457:methyl 5-aminolevulinate; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; D000077271:Imiquimod