Investigation of Basal Cell Carcinoma Inappropriately Treated with Laser Ablation Following the Introduction of Dermoscopic Examination Reimbursement
- Author:
Seon Young SONG
1
;
Mihn-Sook JUE
;
Jeong Eun KIM
;
Joo Yeon KO
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2026;64(1):3-9
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are often misdiagnosed as benign lesions, leading to inappropriate laser ablation. Misidentification may cause delays in proper diagnosis and surgical intervention, potentially affecting patient outcomes.
Objective:We investigated the percentage of patients with BCC who were inappropriately treated with laser ablation following the introduction of dermoscopic examination reimbursement and analyzed their clinical and histological characteristics.
Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the data of 106 patients with histologically confirmed BCC after reimbursement for dermoscopic examinations was implemented.
Results:Among the 106 patients pathologically diagnosed with BCC, 11 patients (10.4%) had a history of laser ablation after being misdiagnosed with a benign lesion. All patients had pigmented BCCs on their faces, with the cheeks and nose (36.4% each) being the most frequent sites of involvement. The mean time between laser treatment and hospital visits was 30.9 months, and six patients (54.5%) were diagnosed with BCC within 1∼5 years after laser ablation. Of the 11 patients, six were treated by dermatologists, two by non-dermatologists, and two by non-licensed personnel. Nine patients showed at least one classic dermoscopic pattern, and the most common dermoscopic finding was the presence of multiple blue/gray globules (7/10, 70.0%). No recurrence after wide excision was observed during the last follow-up.
Conclusion:Despite dermoscopic examination reimbursement, our findings indicate that approximately 10.0% of BCCs are still misdiagnosed as benign lesions, as reported in a previous study. Therefore, when a malignancy is suspected, dermoscopic examination and biopsy should be considered to ensure an accurate diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
