Basal cell carcinoma. Choosing the best method of treatment for a particular lesion.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignant tumor in the United States. The five types of basal cell carcinoma (noduloulcerative, pigmented, morpheaform, and superficial basal cell carcinoma, and premalignant fibroepithelioma) vary in clinical presentation and behavior. Diagnosis is made by skin biopsy. The size, type, and site of a lesion and the age and sex of the patient affect the choice of treatment. Electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, surgical excision, Mohs' surgery, and radiation therapy are available. Knowledge of these therapies and of when they should and should not be used is important in proper management of basal cell carcinoma.