Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human skin cancer, comprising more than half of all non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses, that affect more than 3 million Americans annually. These evidence-based guidelines for the management of BCC provide the most current information on widely accepted therapies, emerging treatments, staging, biopsy techniques, prevention, and follow-up. Review guideline highlights or download the full guideline below.

Guideline highlights

• Stratification of BCC in accordance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines is recommended, with the goal of providing the most clinically relevant stratification to guide management of BCC.

• Optimal biopsy techniques are considered, with the aim of obtaining a biopsy permitting accurate diagnosis and management of BCC.

• Surgical treatment modalities are reviewed, as surgery remains the cornerstone of BCC treatment.

• Nonsurgical approaches (topicals, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy) have lower cure rates than surgical treatment and should only be considered for low-risk BCC or if surgery is contraindicated.

• As there are limited treatment options for metastatic disease, early and complete treatment is important.

• Patients diagnosed with BCC should have annual checks for recurrence or other new primary skin cancer(s).

View the AAD guidelines disclaimer.