1. Basal Cell Carcinoma
The patient is usually seen 6 to 8 weeks after radiation treatment or curettage and electro-fulguration. Patients are then advised to see their physician at six-month intervals for the first year and yearly thereafter, for examination of the treatment site and other sun-exposed skin. Many patients will develop a second basal cell carcinoma. Many patients who continue to develop new lesions require follow-up examinations quarterly.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Low Risk
Criteria: Well differentiated on histology and slowly growing by history.
The minimum intervals suggested for follow-up examination of the treatment site and regional lymph nodes is one year. Each patient should have their sun-exposed skin examined at each visit. Even after five years, they should be inspected, at least annually, for new actinic keratosis or skin cancers.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma - High Risk
Criteria: Poorly differentiated or infiltrating on histology or rapidly growing lesion by history. More frequent follow-up for immunosuppressed individuals is required.
Examination of the treatment site and the regional lymph nodes every two to three months for the first year, decreasing in stages to annually after 5 years.
Each patient should have their sun-exposed skin examined at each follow-up visit and even after five years, examined at least yearly for new actinic keratosis or skin cancers.
4. Recurrences
All patients registered at BCCA will be seen at the request of the referring physician.