Surgery>>>>>The Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
Question 7#

A 3-mm basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin should be treated with:

A. Biopsy and gross total excision
B. Dermatologic laser vaporization
C. Excision with 2- to 4-mm normal margin
D. Electrodesiccation

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises from the basal layer of nonkeratinocytes and represents the most common tumor diagnosed in the United States. Annually it accounts for 25% of all diagnosed cancers and 75% of skin cancers. The primary risk factor for disease development is sun exposure (ultraviolet [UV] B rays more than UVA rays) particularly during adolescence; however, other factors include immune suppression (ie, organ transplant recipients, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] ), chemical exposure, and ionizing radiation exposure. BCC can also be a feature of inherited conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosa, unilateral basal cell nevus syndrome, and nevoid BCC syndrome. The natural behavior ofBCC is one of local invasion rather than distant metastasis. Untreated BCC can result in significant morbidity. Thirty percent of cases are found on the nose, and bleeding, ulceration, and itching are often part of the clinical presentation.