What is the most common treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma?

Surgical excision is considered the most common and effective treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type of cancer is typically well-defined and localized, making it amenable to surgical removal. The goal of surgery is to ensure clear margins around the lesion, thus minimizing the risk of recurrence.

While other treatments exist for superficial BCCs, surgical excision often provides the highest cure rate. The excised tissue can be analyzed to confirm that all cancer cells have been removed, enhancing the likelihood of successful treatment.

Cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy (such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod), and radiation therapy can be effective alternatives, particularly for patients who may not be surgical candidates or prefer less invasive approaches. However, these methods may come with varying success rates, potential for recurrence, and are generally reserved for specific cases based on patient factors or tumor characteristics.