Treatment for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Cancers in Older Patients

Treatment for patients with cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — both so common in older patients — can vary in intensity, complications, cosmetic results, recurrence rates, and cost. Mohs surgery is associated with certain advantages, especially in lesions with high risk for recurrence, but it is more time consuming and costly than simple excision or electrodessication and curettage.

To determine whether application of these treatments differs according to patient age, life expectancy, and functional status, researchers linked Medicare claims data to information from a nationally representative survey of 2700 older adults (mean age, 79) with BCC or SCC who had received Mohs surgery, excision, or electrode…