The “Stretch Test” Helps to Identify Basal Cell Carcinoma Boundaries

This technique can aid tissue sparing and avoid repeat excisions for low-risk tumors.

The skin stretching technique was developed to improve the complete excision of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Stretching helps to define the borders of a BCC by emptying microvessels within the lesion, which reveals a pearly color and tumor borders that contrast with the peripheral skin. In this study, investigators compared rates of complete excision in 596 patients who received conventional excision surgery for BCC before the stretching technique began to be employed (the control group) and 249 patients who received a pre-excision stretch test.

The rate of margin positivity after excision decreased from 6.4% in the control group to 1.7% in the stretch group.

Reviewing Author

Murad Alam, MD, MSCI

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAmway

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)

Murad Alam, MD, MSCI

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAmway

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter

The “Stretch Test” Helps to Identify Basal Cell Carcinoma Boundaries

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Reviewing Author