Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes and Recurrence Rates in Non- Melanoma Skin Cancers: a Single Center Retrospective Study

Background : Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most common malignancies worldwide, particularly affecting the head and neck. BCC is locally invasive, while SCC carries a higher risk of metastasis. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment, and achieving clear histopathological margins is critical in minimizing recurrence. Objective : This study seeks to assess recurrence rates and surgical margin positivity in patients treated for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and to examine the correlation of these outcomes with age, gender, diagnosis, and lesion location. Methods : A retrospective analysis was conducted on 209 patients who underwent surgical excision for NMSC at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between January 2022 and January 2023. Demographic data, diagnosis, surgical margins, and recurrence status were collected and evaluated over a one-year postoperative follow-up period. Results : There was no statistically significant association between local recurrence and lesion location, gender, or diagnosis. However, recurrence was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.05). Margin positivity was significantly related to diagnosis (p < 0.05), with higher rates observed in BCC patients. Logistic regression analysis confirmed diagnosis as an independent predictor of margin positivity. Among patients pre-diagnosed with BCC but pathologically confirmed with SCC, local recurrence was higher, likely due to inadequate excision margins. Conversely, patients initially diagnosed with SCC but pathologically confirmed with BCC had no recurrence. Conclusion : Both patient age and diagnosis are key predictors of recurrence and margin positivity in NMSC. In particular, cases of diagnostic discrepancy highlight the importance of accurate preoperative evaluation and appropriate surgical planning. Elderly patients and those with BCC require careful surgical consideration to ensure complete excision while balancing aesthetic outcomes.