title: Basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region in ethnic chinese.
abstract: Objectives. This study aims to report our experience in the management of HNBCC in ethnic Chinese over a 10-year period. Methods. A retrospective review of all ethnic Chinese patients with HNBCC treated in a tertiary centre from 1999 to 2009. Results. From 1999 to 2009, 225 patients underwent surgical excision for HNBCC. Majority were elderly female patients. Commonest presentation was a pigmented (76.2%) ulcer (64.8%) over the nose (31.6%). Median skin margin taken on tumour excision was 2.0 mm; primary skin closure was achieved in 51.8%. Postresection skin margin was clear in 75.4%. Of those with inadequate skin margins, 56.7% opted for further treatment, 43.4% for observation. Recurrence rates were 2.6% and 13.8%, respectively (P = 0.106). Overall recurrence rate was 5.5%. Conclusions. HNBCC commonly presented as pigmented ulcers over the nose of elderly female patients in our locality. Adequate tumour excision ± reconstruction offered the best chance of cure. Reexcision of those with inadequate skin margins improved local tumour control.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Velda Ling Yu
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Jimmy Yu Wai
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Richie Chiu Lung
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Joseph Hon Ping
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: William Ignace
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Wei