Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common variety of non-melanoma skin cancer and its incidence is rising worldwide. The centrofacial sites (area H) are considered a high risk factor for BCC local recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a technique that allows intraoperative microscopic control of the surgical margins and is a good treatment option when tissue conservation is required for aesthetic or functional reasons or for high-risk lesions. The present study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate of head and neck high-risk BCCs comparing MMS versus conventional surgical excision. Clinical data of patients diagnosed from September 2014 to March 2017, referring to the Dermatology Unit of the Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, were retrospectively evaluated (285 treated with MMS and 378 treated with traditional surgery). Of the 285 patients treated with MMS, 9 experienced a recurrence (3.1%). Of the 378 patients treated with traditional surgery, 53 relapsed (14%), 13 of whom presented residual tumour on the deep or lateral margins of the main surgical specimen. Our study confirms the trend reported in the literature that MMS represents the best treatment option for high-risk BCCs arising in the head and neck region or presenting as a recurrence (p<0.00001). Many more MMS centres and more trained dermatologists are needed worldwide in order to deal with the increasing number of BCC diagnosed every year. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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