Minimizing Surgical Margins in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Single Institution's Experience with Excision and Reconstruction Methods.

ABSTRACT: Background  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the predominant nonmelanocytic skin cancer, with preservation of both function and aesthetics being essential during tumor removal. Existing surgical margin guidelines primarily target ill-defined BCCs prevalent in Western countries. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of surgical removal, propose modified guidelines for wide excision tailored to Asian patients, and share experiences with various reconstruction methods. Methods  This study encompasses 418 patients (447 cases) who underwent BCC excision from March 2015 to June 2023 at our institution. Wide excision extended 2 mm beyond the tumor edge universally, with an additional 2 mm resected if tumor cells persisted in the frozen biopsy, followed by appropriate r

SUBMITTER: Lee SO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11750340 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature