Topical Therapy For Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Superficial BCC (sBCC) classically presents as a pink, crusted patch. Histologically, tumor cells are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and form bud-like proliferations with clefting. The gold standard treatment for sBCC is surgery whether it is Mohs micrographic surgery or surgical excision. However, destructive methods and radiation have been used for decades with acceptable cure rates. More recently, topical therapies have been offered for sBCC. Topical therapy is a viable alternative for treatment, as the tumor doesn’t extending beyond the papillary dermis. The most common and effective topical therapies offered are imiquimod and 5-flouraroucil although ingenol mebutate is also reported in small studies. We discuss topical options for treatment of sBCC and their efficacy