Basal Cell Carcinoma Excision Guided by Dermoscopy: A Retrospective Study in Macau

Abstract

Objective: Dermoscopic evaluation of tumor margins may help to accurately detect lateral borders before surgical excision. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the usefulness of dermoscopically detecting basal cell carcinoma tumor margins before surgical excision. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 60 basal cell carcinomas that were excised after undergoing dermoscopic evaluation of the margins from 2016 to 2018 in a single center in Macau SAR, China. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out by using frequencies and percentages. Results: All treated tumors were completely excised, although five had safety margins of <1 mm. No re-excisions were performed and during a medium follow-up period of 31 months, none of the 60 tumors showed any evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the preoperative dermoscopic evaluation of tumor margins increases the chances of successful and complete tumor excision, while preserving healthy adjacent tissue. Further studies comparing dermoscopy-assisted versus conventional excision are needed to better evaluate the value of this technique.