What is the primary treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma?

The primary treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is excision and biopsy of lesions. This surgical approach is aimed at completely removing the cancerous cells while also providing a definitive diagnosis through histopathologic evaluation. Excision often allows for clear margins to be established, which is crucial in ensuring that all cancerous tissue has been removed, minimizing the risk of recurrence.

While other treatment options exist, such as cryotherapy or topical therapies like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and imiquimod, these are typically reserved for superficial forms of these skin cancers or when surgery is not a viable option due to patient preference, health status, or the specific characteristics of the lesion. Cryotherapy involves freezing the lesion and may not be suitable for more invasive or larger tumors. Similarly, 5-FU and imiquimod are generally used for superficial BCCs and act as immunomodulators or cytotoxic agents but do not provide the same level of certainty in achieving clear margins.

Long-term follow-up is important for monitoring recurrence, especially for those who have had skin cancers, yet it does not constitute the primary treatment of BCC and SCC. Instead, follow-up serves as