Are Eyelid BCCs Suitable for Virtual Follow-Up Clinics?
Author: Hugh Jones
Base Hospital / Institution: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-359
Purpose
Virtual follow-up clinics offer advantages such as reduced patient travel, improved resource allocation, and enhanced accessibility. This study assesses the feasibility of monitoring basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) virtually by evaluating recurrence patterns and associated risk factors.
Methods
A 10-year retrospective review was conducted on BCC patients. Recurrences were identified, and data collected included patient demographics, histological subtype, perineural invasion, anatomical location, surgical margins, and type of excision (single-stage, two-stage, or Mohs micrographic surgery).
Results
Among 368 BCCs, 7 recurrences (1.9%) were observed, with a median recurrence time of 49 months. Of these, 28.6% recurred within 3 years, 42.6% between 3–5 years, and 28.6% after 5 years. No recurrences occurred in Mohs cases (0/33), while recurrence rates were 3.2% for single-stage (5/157) and 1.1% for two-stage excisions (2/177). Narrower surgical margins correlated with higher recurrence rates, approaching significance (p = 0.06). Five of seven recurrences had margin clearance 2mm. Six recurrences presented as visible lesions on clinical photographs, while one had insufficient records. Recurrence was not associated with anatomical location, histological subtype, or perineural invasion.
Conclusion
BCCs excised by MOHS or with margins >2mm demonstrated a 0% recurrence rate, suggesting routine follow-up is unnecessary. Patients with margins <2mm have a higher recurrence risk and monitoring should be considered. As at least 85.7% of recurrences were clinically visible, virtual follow-up clinics could provide a safe, efficient, and accessible alternative for these high-risk cases, reducing unnecessary in-person visits while ensuring early detection of recurrence.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline | Wilde | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust |
| Scott | Cutting | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust |
| Sara | Memon | Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust |
