Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Flashcards

1
Q

What are the options for basal cell carcinoma treatment?

A

Excision (absolutely first-line)
Mohs micrographic surgery
Radiotherapy
Topical 5-fluorouracil cream

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2
Q

Why excision to treat BCC?

A

Commonly removes all malignant cells

Also allows diagnosis to be made histologically

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3
Q

What is Mohs micrographic surgery, how does it work, and why use it to treat BCC?

A

Aims for extremely narrow excision margins
- uses repeat histology to guide fine limit of excision border
Useful where there is limited local skin for closure and/or if there are nearby structures that are best avoided

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4
Q

Why radiotherapy to treat BCC?

A

Used to shrink lesions and reduce troublesome bleeding, often in cases where resection is difficult because:

  • lesion is so large that flap reconstruction would be necessary
  • patient is unsuitable for general anaesthetic
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5
Q

Why topical 5-fluorouracil cream to treat BCC?

A

Commonly used for areas of skin with multiple/recurrent actinic keratosis
Recently used in some instances of basal cell carcinoma (just remember it’s not contraindicated so can be used)

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6
Q

Why not use chemotherapy for treatment of BCC?

A
  • Significant side-effects
  • Existing variety of effective local therapies
  • BCCs do not metastasise

TLDR - unnecessary and not indicated

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