Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Elderly: What Nondermatologists Need to Know

As the population ages and incidence of basal cell carcinoma continues to increase, we will be faced more frequently with difficult treatment decisions for basal cell carcinoma in the elderly. Different treatment options, including surgical excision, electrodessication and curettage, cryosurgery, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, 5-fluorouracil, radiation therapy, vismodegib, combination therapy, and observation, may be considered on the basis of tumor characteristics. Given the wide range of therapeutic options, treatments can be tailored to achieve patients' goals of care within their anticipated life expectancy.