title: Tangential shave removal of basal cell carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the outcome of tangential shave removal (TS) of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the trunk and extremities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cohort study of patients with multiple truncal BCC treated using TS in an academic dermatologic surgery practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic institution referral practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals with BCC referred to the dermatologic surgery unit for ongoing therapy of multiple lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  TS of amenable superficial and nodular BCCs with twice-annual follow-up. Lesions were removed using a scalpel as a uniform-depth mid-to-upper dermal shave and sent for routine pathology. Basic wound care was applied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Apparent cure rate and outcome of scars.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred eighty-two BCCs were treated in 19 individuals. Patients were followed for an average of 5.2 years. One lesion recurred. Three specimens had positive margins requiring further surgery. Scarring was acceptable and similar to what is observed with curettage and electrocoagulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TS is a reasonable treatment for primary superficial and nodular BCC on the trunk and extremities.
authors.affiliation: Fletcher Allen Health Care, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Abramson
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Krasny
authors.forename: Glenn D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome