A 35-year-old woman has multiple small, thin, slightly scaly erythematous macules confined to the trunk, confirmed histologically as superficial basal cell carcinoma. She declines surgery. Which topical agent is an accepted first-line alternative for this presentation?
- A Imiquimod 5 percent cream applied five nights per week for six weeks ✓
- B Potent topical corticosteroid twice daily for four weeks
- C Topical tacrolimus 0.1 percent ointment
- D Coal tar solution
Correct answer: A. Imiquimod 5 percent cream applied five nights per week for six weeks
Explanation
Imiquimod 5 percent cream, an immune response modifier acting through Toll-like receptor 7, is licensed for superficial BCC where surgery is unsuitable, giving clearance rates around 80 percent when used five times weekly for six weeks. Topical 5-fluorouracil is another acceptable option. Corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and tar have no therapeutic effect on basal cell carcinoma.
Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.