Cosmetic results of histographically controlled excision of non-melanoma skin cancer in the head and neck region

Summary Background: Beside the primary goal of complete eradication, the cosmetic result is an important aspect of the treatment of non‐melanoma skin tumors especially in the head and neck region. Patients and Methods: From 1990 to 2000, we treated a total of 5,227 large basal cell carcinomas (BBC) and 1,189 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in the head and neck region by surgical excision in 4,239 inpatients at the Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen. The procedure used in all patients was a conservative excision controlled by complete three dimensional histology of all margins (3D‐histology) and specifically targeted follow‐up surgery where required (histographic surgery). As part of the prospective tumor follow‐up, we asked the treating outdoor physician one and four years later to evaluate the results of our surgical procedures. Results: Of the 5,565 follow‐up questionnaires sent back, 4,868 contained answers regarding the cosmetic result. The data from both answers were pooled. In 1,972 (40,5 %) patients the cosmetic result was evaluated as “excellent”, in 1,992 (40,9 %) as “good”, in 662 (13,6 %) as “satisfactory”, in 191 (3,9 %) as “mediocre” and in 51 (