Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Face Diagnosed and X-rays Treated at Department of Dermatovenerology Sarajevo During the Period of 1996-2000 -

Introduction: Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are often grouped together and referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer occurs on the face,nose, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders and back. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin malignancy. They are most often found on the face especially lower lip. Material and methods: The retrospective study included all patients by whom BCC was diagnosed during the period from January 1996 till December 2000 in Dermatology Department Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Results: Number of BCC was 188. Male 98, female 90. Localization of BCC on the body in percents: upper lip: 8%, neck: 5%, trunk: 4%, hands: 7%, face: 76%. Representation of BCC on face: cheeks: 51, nose: 47, temporal region: 18, forhead: 17, periocular region:7, upper lip: 3. All of the patients were x-rays treated and cured without any failure, with one incident of radiodermatitis and one apparation of recurrences. Discussion: The prognosis for patients with BCC is excellent, with a 100% survival rate for cases that have not spread to other sites. Nevertheless, if BCC is allowed to progress, it can result in significant morbidity, and cosmetic disfigurement is common. Conclusion: The choice of therapeutic method depend on size, location, clinical type of BCC, age, general condition and attitude of the patient. Therapeutic methods can be surgery excision, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, radiotherapy and local cytostatics. Radiotherapy is indicated when BCC localization is inconvenient for surgical excision and it gives great results.