Basal cell carcinoma at craniofacial embryological fusion planes: propensity for greater depth of invasion and recurrence revisited

Several factors implicated in the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma are not completely understood. Facial embryological fusion planes, the zones of mesenchymal migration, and fusion of the primordial facial processes in the early stages of embryogenesis have been suggested to influence the spread, pathogenesis and recurrence of cutaneous carcinoma. The aim of this study was to establish whether basal cell carcinoma originating in embryological fusion planes has a greater propensity for earlier depth of invasion, leading to an increased rate of lesion recurrence in these areas. This study was retrospective in nature, with the participant cohort formed from operating theatre logs of a plastic surgery practice in 2006-2007.