AB176. SOH26AB_0349. Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma: an audit of surgical outcome between 2015 and 2024 from the Oral and Maxillofacial Department in University Hospital Limerick

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common skin cancer in Ireland, with approximately 10,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) most often arises on sun-exposed areas such as the face and neck. Infiltrative BCC is a frequently encountered subtype and presents significant therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive growth pattern, subclinical extension, and potential for deep tissue invasion, as well as its impact on cosmetic and functional outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with surgical clearance, reconstruction type, adjuvant therapy, and recurrence rates in patients with infiltrative BCC of the head and neck. Clinical procedure records and pathology data from 2015 to 2024 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria consisted of histologically confirmed infiltrative BCC excised from the head and neck. Exclusion criteria included all other non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, cysts, and keratotic lesions.

Methods: Data collected included demographic, clinical, histopathological, and imaging findings, such as patient gender, age, lesion site, tumour stage (T stage), depth of invasion, adjacent structure involvement, reconstruction type, use of adjuvant therapy, and recurrence.

Results: Findings suggest these lesions present early despite their invasive characteristics and are generally confined to the epidermis. Reconstruction choices largely depended on the anatomical site. Assessment of postoperative satisfaction was limited by insufficient patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions: BCC seem to present early when they are confined to the epidermis.

Keywords: Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (infiltrative BCC); BCC; audit; non-melanoma skin cancer