Surgical Treatment of Cervicofacial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, most frequently affecting the face. Malignant lesions of the face, following aggressive oncologic surgical treatment, pose a reconstructive challenge for the surgeon.

Objective: To identify the different surgical techniques used in cervicofacial basal cell carcinoma, according to the affected aesthetic unit.

Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of cervicofacial basal cell carcinoma, diagnosed at the Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Clinical Surgical Hospital, from June 2022 to March 2024.

Results: The most commonly used technique was direct closure, followed by the advancement flap. Males predominated, with an average age of 74 years. The most affected region was the nose, followed by the cheek. Most patients presented in the early stages of the disease, which allowed for a low incidence of short- and long-term complications.

Conclusions: This study provides detailed information on the different surgical techniques used in the treatment of cervicofacial basal cell carcinoma and the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the most common complications observed in the patients studied. These findings may be useful for improving the care and management of this disease in the future.