Diagnosis and management of basal cell carcinoma: interdisciplinary consensus statements of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, a Department of Health Tertiary Hospital in Manila, Philippines.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Multiple risk factors are associated in the development of BCC, with ultraviolet light and genetics playing major roles.

Aims: The departments of dermatology, medical oncology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, and radiation oncology of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines, have convened and formulated consensus statements on the diagnosis and management of BCC patients seen in the institution.

Conclusion: The summary of the recommendations is: (1) Surgery is the treatment of choice for BCC. The range of margins (2-4 mm) depends on the type of BCC. (2) Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is indicated for high risk BCC. (3) Topical treatment with imiquimod or 5-flourouracil (5-FU) may be used for superficial BCC. (4) Destructive methods (cryotherapy, curettage and electrodessication, photodynamic therapy) may be used for low risk BCC. (5) Medical and/or radiation therapy is advised for cases where surgery is contraindicated or tumor is not amenable to surgery. Metastasis of this malignancy is rare. Follow-up, which may continue up until 2 years, is recommended for high risk BCC.