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Basal Cell Carcinoma — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardDermatological SurgeryBasal Cell CarcinomaSCE Dermatology

A superficial basal cell carcinoma on the trunk is unsuitable for excision after multidisciplinary review. Which treatment uses a topical photosensitiser followed by visible-light activation?

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Correct answer: E — Topical photosensitiser-based photodynamic therapy activated by visible red light

The best answer is “Topical photosensitiser-based photodynamic therapy activated by visible red light”. BAD guidance stratifies BCC by site, subtype, border and margin status; high-risk or incompletely excised disease requires specialist discussion, while treatment should balance clearance, function and tissue preservation. The alternatives “Topical imiquimod immune-response modification, when the full phenotype supports it”, “Topical fluorouracil antimetabolite field treatment, within an appropriate UK pathway”, “Cryotherapy using rapid tissue freezing and thawing”, “Curettage followed by electrodessication of the base” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not fit the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology, risk signal or management sequence in this stem.

Reference: BAD basal cell carcinoma guideline 2021: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/185/5/899/6599942