Clinicopathological Factors Associated with Incomplete Excision of High-risk Basal Cell Carcinoma

Research has shown higher rates of incomplete excision among high-risk than low-risk basal cell carcinomas, but data is limited. A single-centre, retrospective study including excised high-risk basal cell carcinomas (type II-III according to the Swedish classification) was performed to determine incomplete excision rates and associated clinicopathological risk factors. Overall, 987 consecutive cases were included. Of these, 203 (20.6%) were incompletely excised. Incomplete excision rates were higher for type III basal cell carcinomas (27.0% vs 17.6% for type II, p < 0.001) and localization on the face and scalp (22.4% vs 14.7% for other locations, p = 0.009), especially on the nose, ear, scalp and periorbital area (28.0-37.0% vs 9.5-16.9% for other locations, p < 0.0001). Circular excisions were also more often incomplete (28.5%) compared with elliptical excisions (17.7%) (p < 0.001). No association was found between incomplete excision rates and tumour size, excision margins, use of a pre-operative biopsy or surgeon experience. Mohs micrographic surgery should be used more often for type II-III basal cell carcinomas on the face and scalp.