One-fifth of basal cell carcinomas have a morphoeic or partly morphoeic histology: implications for treatment.

A retrospective analysis of the histopathology reports for all first or single basal cell carcinomas (1567) surgically treated over a 13-year period, was undertaken. Basal cell carcinomas classified by standard skin pathology nomenclature were divided into three groups: purely morphoeic basal cell carcinomas, partly morphoeic basal cell carcinomas and non-morphoeic basal cell carcinomas. A morphoeic or partly morphoeic histology was reported in 21.8% of basal cell carcinomas, particularly on the head and neck and in those over the age of 64 years. This percentage may increase further as patients live longer, and has important implications for treatment selection.