Basal cell carcinoma cytology revisited - a modern perspective on an old technique.

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring cancer in humans. In light of its vast prevalence, this disease causes a substantial burden on the quality of life of patients. Histopathologic examination is currently the gold standard for diagnostic confirmation and a requisite for therapeutic planning. Cytology possesses several advantages compared to biopsy. This is namely due to its minimal invasiveness, absence of scarring, improved aesthetic outcome, cost-effectiveness, and procedural simplicity. This review focused on contemporary evidence on basal cell carcinoma cytology to provide a comprehensive description of the technique with practical insights for specific clinical scenarios. This review also aimed to delineate and discuss evidence gaps and potential novel applications of this technique in the context of recent advances in cytopathology, dermatosurgery, molecular targeted therapy, and precision medicine (Tab. 2, Ref. 43). Keywords: basal cell carcinoma, cytology, Papanicolaou test, May-Grunwald Giemsa.

• Authors: Paula Durikova
• Journal: Bratislavske lekarske listy (Bratisl Lek Listy) Vol. 124 Issue 10 Pg. 774-778 ( 2023) ISSN: 0006-9248 [Print] Slovakia
• PMID: 37789795 (Publication Type: Review, Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Quality of Life
• Cytodiagnosis (methods)
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (diagnosis, pathology)
• Biopsy
• Skin Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology)