PR27PA CUT ABOVE: COMPARING THE ADEQUACY OF SKIN CANCER EXCISIONS PLASTIC, GENERAL AND CLINIC

The reported rates of incomplete excision of non-melanoma skin cancers varies widely (5-25%) among published literature. This study aims to compare the rate of incomplete excision of non-melanoma skin cancers performed by a plastic surgeon, skin cancer clinic and general surgery department in Toowoomba, Queensland. It also evaluates factors that affect the rate of incomplete excision. Consecutive primary excisions of non-melanoma skin cancers were analysed for a six month period between 1 January 2008 and 30 June 2008 for three separate groups: plastic surgeon, skin cancer clinic and the general surgery department. The variables studied were age and gender of patients, histology, tumour site and size, adequacy of excision and method of repair. A total of 663 skin cancers were excised between the three groups consisting of 392 basal cell carcinomas and 271 squamous cell carcinomas. The incomplete excision rates for the three groups were: plastic surgeon (6.1%), skin cancer clinic (5.2%) and general surgery department (12.9%). The incomplete excision rate between the general surgery department and other two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.03). Although the rate of incomplete excision was higher in the general surgery department, all three groups compare favourably with reported figures in the literature. Given that Queensland has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, the disparity between the groups could be examined further, with consideration given to the complexity of excisions being performed in the hospital setting. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]