SUCCESSFUL SURGERY OF MULTIPLE RECURRENT BASAL-CELL CARCINOMAS GUIDEDBY PHOTODYNAMIC DIAGNOSIS

We describe a 56-year-old Caucasian man with history of multiple regre ssed basal cell carcinomas. During the last 20 years approximately 200 histologically proven basal cell carcinomas preferentially localized on the face were surgically treated. Several large skin grafts were ne cessary to cover the extensive tissue defects on the face and scalp. A lthough all excised tissues were histologically proven to be basal cel l carcinomas with tumor-free margins, new tumors developed in proximit y to the: skin graft margins. The dissemination of the new tumors made it difficult to perform additional invasive operation procedures with out influencing the cosmetic result. Thus, we used photodynamic diagno sis to improve detection and demarcation of the neoplastic tissues. Th is procedure facilitated surgical planning and enabled primary in tote excisions. Surgical trauma and a number of interventions were thus mi nimized with the consequence of improved cosmetic and functional resul ts.