Abstract ID: 26-524
Clinical burden of periocular basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment: A Tertiary Care Center Retrospective Study
Author: Emma Youhnovska Base Hospital / Institution: McGill University Health Centre
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant eyelid tumor, accounting for 85–95% of eyelid malignancies. Although mortality rates remain low, periocular BCC presents unique management challenges due to risks of local invasion, recurrence, and reconstructive complexity. Management often requires tissue-preserving surgical approaches such as standard excision (SE), Mohs surgery (MS), or frozen section-guided excision (FSE), resulting in substantial healthcare utilization and prolonged follow-up.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted evaluating the management of periocular BCC at a tertiary care center between 2020 and 2023. Collected data included demographics, time from referral to consultation, duration of management, surgical management, pathological findings, and pre-, peri-, and postoperative medication use.
Results
A total of 98 patients underwent surgical management of periocular BCC between 2020 and 2023; 45.9% were male, with a mean age of 73.3 years. The lower eyelid was the most affected site (n=61), followed by the medial canthal area (n=17), and upper eyelid (n=9). Most patients underwent SE (n=78). Involved margins and lesion invasiveness were associated with FSE use. Nodular and sclerosing subtypes of BCC were the most common identified histopathologic features, while actinic damage was the most consistently observed pathological feature. The average time from referral to consultation was 33.8 days, with patients requiring approximately four follow-up visits on average.
Conclusion
Despite low mortality, periocular BCC remains a significant burden due to risks of local invasion, recurrence, reconstructive complexity, and prolonged follow-up. Lesion invasiveness and margin involvement were associated with the use of frozen section excision and cost implications. Early detection and treatment may reduce tissue destruction, limit the need for complex reconstruction, and improve functional and cosmetic outcomes while reducing healthcare utilization.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Merve | Kulbay | McGill University Health Centre |
| Mariam | Jemaa | University of Montreal |
| Nicolas | Tuli | McGill University Health Centre |
| Roxana | Barin | University of Montreal |
| Wiliam | Sebag | University of Montreal |
| Stuti Misty | Tanya | McGill University Health Centre |
| Miguel | Burnier | McGill University Health Centre |
| Bryan | Arthurs | McGill University Health Centre |
| Christian | El-Hadad | McGill University Health Centre |