Cosmetic results of cryosurgery versus surgical excision for primary uncomplicated basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck

BACKGROUND. The incidence of multiple facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) is increasing. OBJECTIVE. Comparison of cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision for primary BCCs. METHODS. Cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision (prospective randomized study) of primary BCCs in the head/ neck area were assessed by five independent professional observers and by the patients. RESULTS. Ninety-six BCCs were treated either with surgical excision (n = 48) or cryosurgery (n = 48). Clinical professionals evaluated the cosmetic results after surgery as significantly better. The beautician had no preference for either therapy. The patient had a significant preference for excision. Localization and size of the tumor did not modify this general preference for excision. The male dermatologist, however, had a tendency to evaluate results in the cheek, periauricular, and neck area as inferior to those in the rest of the face, regardless of which therapy was given. CONCLUSION. In general, cosmetic results after excision are better than after cryosurgery.