Pathological variants of basal cell carcinoma.

Although the pathological features of basal cell carcinoma are well known, there is no generally agreed classification of the subtypes of this tumour. Certain histological subtypes are associated with indistinct clinical margins, inadequate primary excisions and frequent recurrences, and these must be recognized and reported by pathologists so that the most appropriate therapy is given. The current classification of subtypes of basal cell carcinoma is discussed and reference made to the rarer forms of this tumour.