Curettage-cryosurgery for non-melanoma skin cancer of the external ear: excellent 5-year results

Abstract

In this 5-year follow-up study, 60 auricular non-melanoma skin cancers, selected at a skin tumour clinic, were treated by a thorough curettage with different sized curettes followed by cryosurgery in a double freeze-thaw cycle. Tumours of the external auditory canal were excluded. Forty-seven basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), nine squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), three Bowen's disease and one basisquamous cancer were included. The mean diameter of the malignancies was 18 mm (range 5-70). Morphoeiform BCCs, recurrent BCCs with fibrotic component and most of the SCCs were selected for Mohs' micrographic surgery. Forty-two patients with 47 tumours were followed-up for at least 5 years with only one recurrence. Thirteen patients, followed-up for 2-4 years, died from other causes with no sign of recurrence at their last visit. No major problems after treatment were registered and the cosmetic result was good or acceptable in all patients.