Nonsurgical Options for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review article is to summarize the effectiveness, potential adverse events, and indications of the main nonsurgical treatment alternatives for basal cell carcinoma.

Methods: An extensive literature review was carried out. The most relevant articles were discussed and selected by the authors in order to provide a brief but evidence-based overview of the most common nonsurgical methods used for treating basal cell carcinoma.

Results: Although surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery are often considered the optimal treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, these tumors can also be treated successfully with destructive techniques (eg, curettage alone, cryosurgery, or electrodesiccation), photodynamic therapy, topical drugs (eg, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, or ingenol mebutate), radiotherapy, or hedgehog pathway inhibitors. When choosing between these alternatives, physicians must take into consideration the tumor's size, location, and histopathological subtype. Special care should be taken when treating recurrent tumors. Furthermore, physician experience is of great importance when using destructive techniques. Finally, patient preference, potential adverse events, and cosmetic outcome should also be considered.

Conclusions: Dermatologists and physicians treating basal cell carcinoma should have knowledge of and experience with the large arsenal of therapeutic alternatives available for the successful, safe, and individualized management of patients with basal cell carcinoma.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; destructive therapy; hedgehog inhibitors; radiotherapy; topical drugs.