Translate this page into:
Excision of Basal Cell Carcinoma with Radio Frequency Ablation
Address for correspondence: S Patidar, Baroda Skin Clinic, Saraswati Complex, Nanjalpur, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390 011, India.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This article was originally published by Medknow Publications and was migrated to Scientific Scholar after the change of Publisher.
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma is usually treated by excision, or by ablative methods such as cryosurgery and laser. We describe treament of basal cell carcinoma by radiofrequency device.
Keywords
Basal cell carcinoma
Radiofrequency
Ablation
INTRODUCTION
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is commonest in whites, but not rare in pigmented population.[1] It comprises 65% of all skin malignancies and 95% patients are above 40 years age. Tumour is common on eyelid, inner canthus and behind the ear, uncommon on limbs and back, rare on vermilion of lips, palms and soles. In distribution of lesion, the density of pilosebaceous follicles is an important determining factor. BCC are more common in males. Outdoor occupations with increase sun exposure and sunburns, ionizing radiation are also important factors. BCC can also arise in burns scars, nevus sebaceous and melanocytic nevus.
CASE REPORT
A 48-year-old woman developed 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 non-healing ulcer, 1 cm below right eyelid of 8 months duration [Figure 1]. It had increased to this size from a small papule. On examination, the ulcer was round, non-tender, and easily bled on slight touch. Edges were rolled up with crusted base. Biopsy by 3.5-mm punch was done and it confirmed the diagnosis of BCC. Under field block and local infiltration ulcer was excised with radio frequency (RF) cutting mode as per the standard procedure.[2] Five millimetres normal skin margin was also included in excision and sent for histopathology. The incision was elliptical which was done with cutting mode of RF. Base was gently curetted and bleeding points were cauterized. Wound was closed after undermining with Prolene™ 5-0 [Figure 2]. Pressure dressing was done which was changed on third day. She was given antibiotic and analgesic for 2 weeks. Stitches removed alternately on 8th and 14th day. Initially for 1 month, patient had mild tenderness and itching which disappeared gradually. After 1-year follow-up patient has had no recurrence.
- Non-tender, indurated ulcer with raised margins over right infraorbital region
- Primary closure with Prolene™ after radiofrequency excision
DISCUSSION
Various modalities are useful for the treatment of BCC. For the superficial lesions, excision remains treatment of choice. Other modalities can be used in patient where surgery is contraindicated. Nodulo ulcerative type of BCC, also called rodent ulcer, is the common variety and is best managed by simple excision of tumour. Excision by RF, with mild curettage was done in our case, which proved effective and yielded satisfactory therapeutic results.
Source of Support: Nil
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
REFERENCES
- Wolff K, Johnson RA, Suurmond D, eds. Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology. London: McGraw-Hill; 2005. p. :282-9.
- Radiosurgery. In: Savant SS, Shah RA, Gore D, eds. Textbook and Atlas of Dermatosurgery and Cosmetology. Mumbai: ASCAD; 2005. p. :305-14.
- [Google Scholar]
