Which treatment is considered the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma?

Surgical excision is considered the gold standard for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) due to its effectiveness in completely removing the cancerous tissue while minimizing the risk of recurrence. This method allows for clear margins around the tumor to ensure that all cancer cells are excised, significantly reducing the chances of the cancer returning.

When performed by an experienced surgeon, surgical excision typically yields excellent cosmetic results and is suitable for various tumor sizes and locations. While other treatments like cryosurgery, topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and local radiation do have roles in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, they are more often reserved for specific cases, such as when surgery poses a higher risk or for patients who are not surgical candidates. Surgical excision's comprehensive approach to removing cancerous tissue makes it the preferred method for effectively treating BCC.