Observations on the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids. The Wendell L. Huges Lecture.

A brief discussion of the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids has given. It implies that, as usually done, surgery is good. It is uncertain, however, and leaves much to be desired. By looking into the control techniques that should be available, and by taking the time and trouble to use them, the surgeon should attain much better results than he has in the past. It is suggested that cryosurgery may be the preferred method of treatment for many ofthose who wish to avoid surgery for reasons of health, age, time, inconvenience, and cost. This is true only if these individuals are willing to accept the cosmetic disadvantages of depigmentation and loss of lashes. It is hoped that other ophthalmic plastic surgeons will look into this modality and evaluate it critically before casting it aside as a poor substitute for the knife.