Current Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Management

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Characterize basal and squamous cell carcinomas as low or high risk based on size, location, histology, and clinical features. 2. Understand appropriate surgical margins in low- and high-risk lesions, and other management options, including Mohs micrographic surgery, electrodissection and curettage, topical agents, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiation therapy. 3. Discuss adjuvant therapies for locally advanced and metastatic disease, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies such as hedgehog pathway inhibitors. 4. Educate patients on preventive measures such as skin examinations, sun protection, oral retinoids, and oral nicotinamide (vitamin B3). 5. Devise a reconstructive plan once clear oncologic margins are obtained. With the growing incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinoma, there is an increasing demand for appropriate oncologic management and aesthetic reconstruction. The goal of this CME article is to provide a foundation of knowledge to accurately diagnose, stage, and treat nonmelanoma skin cancers. In addition, it provides the practicing plastic surgeon alternate tools for managing these skin lesions, including topical agents, destructive therapies, and radiation therapy. Lastly, reconstructive plans for selected soft-tissue defects are discussed.