Long-term follow-up of cryosurgery of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the eyelid and its incidence is increasing. It remains to be established which is the best treatment in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. Our purpose was to analyze the long-term treatment results and possible side effects of cryosurgery of eyelid BCC. During the last 14 years 219 patients (222 tumors) treated for eyelid BCC with cryosurgery were followed up prospectively for up to 10 years. The tumors cleared completely after treatment in all patients with no recurrence observed to date. Ninety-two patients were followed up for 5 years or more. Complications were few and minor. In 26 treated eyelids conjunctival overgrowth was noted. We conclude that cryosurgery of BCC of the eyelid has a high cure rate, is cost-effective, and is well tolerated.