title: Shave to Save Face.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Terminal hair is not routinely removed for assessment of BCCs on the scalp and yet may obscure the true size of scalp BCCs. This can compromise effective management.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To underscore the importance of removing terminal hair on the scalp for an accurate assessment of clinical margins of BCC on the scalp.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report 2 cases of cutaneous BCC arising on the scalp. The size of the malignancies was underestimated because they were masked by hair growth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Removing terminal hair allowed for a full assessment of the extent of the tumours on hair-bearing scalp, which had been underestimated by 73% to 80% prior to shaving.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our cases highlight the importance of hair removal for complete assessment of cutaneous malignancy occurring on hair-bearing skin.
authors: 1 University of Calgary, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors: Danya
authors: D
authors: Traboulsi
authors: 1 University of Calgary, Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors: Habib
authors: H
authors: Kurwa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D006197:Hair; D006204:Hair Removal; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D047368:Tumor Burden
keywords: Mohs surgery; basal cell carcinoma; case report; photodynamic therapy