Surgical option for nonmelanoma skin cancer.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in the general population. Its best treatment option is the complete excision of the lesion. Mohs' micrographic surgery has demonstrated to be the surgical method with the highest cure rates, however, it is not available in many countries or institutions.

METHODS: We propose, as a treatment option for high-risk BCC, surgical resection of the tumor with transoperatory histological examination with the hematoxilin-eosin technique, delaying closure of the wounds until the margins and surgical bed are tumor-free.

RESULTS: We studied 83 patients with BCC; 49 were treated with the transoperatory technique and delay closure. We observed no recurrence in any patient that we followed up and there were no complications resulting from the technique in a 25-month follow up.

CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this technique for tumors with high-risk of recurrence if Mohs' micrographic surgery is not available.