摘要
Background: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are a relatively common form of skin damage in Australians, involving approximately 1 in 200 general practice encounters per year. Aim: To determine current treatments and the associated healthcare resource costs of BCC therapy in Australia. Methods: A retrospective survey was undertaken relating to the treatment of patients presenting to their doctor with previously untreated BCCs. Data were collected from a sample of general practitioners who were asked to randomly select two BCC patients from their medical records and complete a questionnaire. Information about treatment types,number of doctor visits, treatment complications, and specialist referrals was extracted from the patient records. Results: One hundred and sixty-four patients were recruited into the study (59%male), who were treated for a total of 244 BCCs (average of 1.5 lesions per patient). Twenty two percent of patients were referred to a specialist, most being referred to a general surgeon (45%) or plastic surgeon (25%). Excision was the preferred therapy; second choices were cryosurgery or curettage and cautery. Few adverse events were recorded. The typical number of doctor visits varied from 3.2 to 7.4, with a range of total cost per patient of AUS＄146.60-496.20, depending on complexity and the need for referral. Conclusion: With a reported incidence in Australia of approximately 788 per 100,000 persons, BCCs are not inexpensive to treat for such a relatively common condition.
Background： Basal cell carcinomas common form of skin damage in （BCCs） are a relatively Australians, involving approximately 1 in 200 general practice encounters per year. Aim： To determine current treatments and the associated healthcare resource costs of BCC therapy in Australia. Methods： A retrospective survey was undertaken relating to the treatment of patients presenting to their doctor with previously untreated BCCs. Data were collected from a sample of general practitioners who were asked to randomly select two BCC patients from their medical records and complete a questionnaire. Information about treatment types, number of doctor visits, treatment complications, and specialist referrals was extracted from the patient records. Results： One hundred and sixty-four patients were recruited into the siudy （59% male）, who were treated for a total of 244 BCCs （average of 1.5 lesions per patient）. Twenty two percent of patients were referred to a specialist, most being referred to a general surgeon （45%） or plastic surgeon （25%） . Excision was the preferred therapy; second choices were cryosurgery or curettage and cautery. Few adverse events were recorded. The typical number of doctor visits varied from 3.2 to 7.4, with a range of total cost per patient of AUS$146. 60 - 496.20, depending on complexity and the need for referral. Conclusion： With a reported incidence in Australia of approximately 788 per 100, 000 persons, BCCs are not inexpensive to treat for such a relatively common condition.
