Consideration of patient preference and life expectancy in the management of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review existing literature regarding the current role of patient preference and life expectancy in the management approach of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in very elderly patients. Very elderly individuals are identified as those 85 years or older of age. This article aims to further evaluate the potential risks and benefits of the treatment of BCC compared with nonintervention in the very elderly with limited life expectancy. Current clinical guidelines do not include an evaluation of patient preference or life expectancy to determine the appropriate treatment for BCC. In the very elderly population, who are expected to experience an increased incidence of BCC, this consideration could improve patient satisfaction and quality of life while simultaneously decreasing the level of burden to the health care system from unnecessary treatment of BCC.