The efficacy of intralesional cryosurgery in the treatment of small- and medium-sized basal cell carcinoma: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Cryotherapy has been used in treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In 1993, Weshahy described his technique for applying cryotherapy in depth, i.e. intralesional cryosurgery (ILC), using Weshahy’s cryoneedles.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of ILC using Weshahy cryoneedles in the treatment of small- and medium-sized BCC with >5-year follow-up.

Patients and methods: This pilot study included 43 patients with histopathologically proven BCCs of the nodular and superficial type. All BCCs were treated by Intralesional cryosurgery (Weshahy’s technique) using specially designed angled or hook shaped needles.

Results: The study included 22 men (51.2%) and 21 women (48.8%). Out of 46 lesions, 45 lesions (97.8%) showed a cure in one session, and only 1 nodular lesion showed a small recurrence in a marginal region of the site treated. In relation to the cosmetic outcome, 32 (69.6%) lesions showed a good to excellent outcome, 11 (23.9%) a moderate to good outcome and 3 (6.5%) a poor cosmetic outcome. The cosmetic outcome was better in females (p = 0.578), with small lesions (p = 0.048), and between 40 and 70 years old (p = 0.046).

Conclusion: Cryotherapy is an alternative treatment for a small- to medium-sized BCC in selected patients.

• Basal cell carcinoma
• cryotherapy
• intralesional cryosurgery

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.