No abstract

Background/Aims: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant neoplasm of keratinocytes. Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) published cure rates vary widely, and the authors of this study are unaware of any previous literature which has attempted to rapidly identify treatment failures. Objective: To identify BCC ED&C failures by histologically analyzing the fragments produced by the third round of curettage. Methods: The monitoring of routine therapy of 862 cases of BCC that were treated by ED&C followed by the submission of cautery fragments of the third round of curettage for histological and immunohistochemical testing. Results: Of the 862 cases, 764 (89%) had no residual BCC seen in their curetting. Of these patients, zero recurrences (0%) were noted. Forty-eight of the 862 cases had residual BCC seen in their curetting and elected to receive no additional therapy. Eighteen (38%) had a recurrence detected. Fifty of the 862 cases had residual BCC seen in their curetting and elected for immediate re-excision. Thirty-five (70%) had histological evidence of residual BCC. Limitations: The study was performed at a single center with 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Pathological examination of curettage fragments in combination with immunohistochemistry testing appears to be beneficial in predicting which patients are likely to have recurrence of BCC after ED&C.

No abstract

The authors present a case report of a 14-year-old male with a single temporal scalp nodule. After imaging and surgical resection, the diagnosis of an aneurysmal bone cyst was made. Although aneurysmal bone cysts are benign, they tend to grow rapidly and cause subsequent complications. In this case report, the authors explore the importance of physical examination in order to make more accurate diagnoses.