Correlation of histologic subtypes of primary basal cell carcinoma and number of Mohs stages required to achieve a tumor-free plane.

BACKGROUND: Certain histologic subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) behave more aggressively and require more aggressive treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to see whether certain subtypes of BCC require more Mohs stages to achieve tumor-free margins.

METHODS: A retrospective study of 342 primary BCCs treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) was performed identifying the histologic subtype of BCC present and the number of stages required to clear the tumor.

RESULTS: The aggressive subtypes (infiltrative, morpheaform, micronodular, and mixed) were most frequently found when high numbers of Mohs stages were required for cure.

CONCLUSION: The more aggressive subtypes of BCC require more MMS stages to achieve tumor-free margins, which is consistent with the concept that these subtypes usually require more aggressive treatment from the start.