title: Consensus for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment: basal cell carcinoma, including a cost analysis of treatment methods.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the US population affecting approximately 2.8 million people per year. Basal cell carcinomas are usually slow-growing and rarely metastasize, but they do cause localized tissue destruction, compromised function, and cosmetic disfigurement.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide clinicians with guidelines for the management of BCC based on evidence from a comprehensive literature review, and consensus among the authors.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive review of the medical literature was conducted to evaluate the optimal treatment methods for cutaneous BCC, taking into consideration cure rates, recurrence rates, aesthetic and functional outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of the procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surgical approaches provide the best outcomes for BCCs. Mohs micrographic surgery provides the highest cure rates while maximizing tissue preservation, maintenance of function, and cosmesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mohs micrographic surgery is an efficient and cost-effective procedure and remains the treatment of choice for high-risk BCCs and for those in cosmetically sensitive locations. Nonsurgical modalities may be used for low-risk BCCs when surgery is contraindicated or impractical, but the cure rates are lower.
authors: *New York Laser & Skin Care, New York, New York; †Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York; ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; §Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; ‖Laser & Dermatologic Surgery Center, Chesterfield, Missouri; ¶Department of Dermatology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri; #Department of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; **Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
authors: Arielle N B
authors: AN
authors: Kauvar
authors: Terrence
authors: T
authors: Cronin
authors: Randall
authors: R
authors: Roenigk
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Hruza
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Bennett
mesh_terms: D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000191:economics; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology