BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE FACE: CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES, SURGICAL TREATMENT AND RESULTS

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has a slow evolution and possible massive tissue destruction when neglected and reaches large dimensions. BCC involves various histological subtypes, the nodular form being the most common. Frequent localization on the face confirms that ultraviolet radiation is an important risk factor for this type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is most frequently on the cutaneous lips. It is reported that BCC is more frequent in the upper lip in women, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) seems to be more frequent in men, in the lower lip. Smoking and alcohol are reported as predisposing factors. The study purpose was to evidence the high incidence of BCC of the perioral and lips regions. 2) Methods: Retrospective descriptive study on a group of 55 patients diagnosed with BCCof the face, in whom surgical excision (in oncologic limits) treatment was performed, and postoperative follow-up was applied. 3) Results: The predominance of the ulcerated-infiltrative form was highlighted, predominantly in the age group between 60 and 80 years. 4) Conclusions: The increased number of BCC as well as the growing number of large and neglected tumors, evidenced the need of including BCC in a cancer registry and the implementation of a screening program, as well as a better information of the population regarding this type of skin cancer.

Keywords

• basal cell carcinoma
• face
• histology
• surgery
• flaps