Basic surgical procedures for basal cell carcinoma on the forehead – case reports

Introduction. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It consitutes for about non-melanoma skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma localizes mainly on the face and neck. Forehead belongs to the most common locations. In the treatment of basal cell carcinoma a lot of methods can be proposed, however surgical excision with adequate margins remains the most effective. Depending on the tumor size and location a lot of surgical procedures can be used starting from simple excision, wide range of plasties, second intention healing and skin grafts. The easiest effective method giving satisfying cosmetic results should be chosen. The most frequent reconstructions performed on the forehead are M-plasty, A-T plasty and H-plasty. M-plasty is a modification of simple excision. A-T plasty and H-plasty are based on the local advancement flaps. Cosmetic results are relevant, therefore knowledge of face aesthetic units is important. Objective. Presentation of the most commonly used methods of surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma localized on the forehead. Case reports. We present 3 patients with basal cell carcinoma on the forehead in which M-plasty, A-T plasty and H-plasty were performed. Conclusions. Surgery is the best treatment option for patients with basal cell carcinoma on the forehead. Simple surgical techniques enable tumour removal with good cosmetic outcomes in the majority of patients. PRACE ORYGINALNE/ORIGINAL PAPERS