Epidemiology and follow-up of basal cell carcinoma

BCC is the most common skin cancer in the Netherlands (and among Caucasians) and its rate of incidence is increasing. Currently, one in six Dutch citizens will develop a BCC during his or her life time. Nodular BCC is the most common subtype and is most commonly located in the head and neck region. There has been no randomized controlled research on frequency and total duration of follow-up after a primary BCC. However, in recent years there have been publications highlighting three important factors that influence the necessity and frequency of follow-up. These are (1) percentage of recurrence of BCC after non- Tnd invasive treatments (2) risk of subsequent BCC and time to recurrence (3) burden of disease associated with BCC and quality of life. Based on these studies follow-up recommendations were given.