Head and neck cutaneous basal cell carcinoma: what should the otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgeon care about?

Abstract

SUMMARYCutaneous basal cell carcinoma (cBCC) is the most common malignancy diagnosed in the human population. cBCC presents an increasing incidence which, in the near future, will be higher than all other cancers combined. The majority of cBCC are located in the head and the neck. A diversity of management modalities is currently available; nonetheless, surgical excision remains the main modality of treatment. cBCC rarely metastasises and presents a low mortality rate. cBCC morbidity is influenced by local invasion and destruction, especially in the face, where function and aesthetics are major issues. Easy accessibility to the face and skin on the neck makes cBCC an important issue for otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgeons who must be aware and committed in its management, as the main modality of treatment continues to be surgical. The aim of this review is to present a brief and practical overview of head and neck cBCC management for ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, discussing key issues about its epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and pathogenesis.