Mohs Micrographic Technique Research Articles

Mohs micrographic technique in high-risk basal cell carcinoma: a 3D prediction of safety margins.

Compared with standard excision with a two-dimensional histological examination, Mohs micrographic surgery offers a lower recurrence rate and a greater extent of healthy tissue sparing for the treatment of high-risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aims of this study were to first quantify the healthy tissue spared through the micrographic technique compared to traditional surgery for high-risk tumours. Then, to speculate, through the analysis of the distal micrographic resection margin, the adequate width of safety margins for standard excision. A cohort of patients with high-risk BCC was treated with Mohs surgery. Safety margins, tumours residual final breach and hypothetical standard excision safety margins areas were recorded. A total of 96 patients were included. A reduction of 27.96% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 17.90-38.02) of healthy skin removed was observed using a micrographic method compared to the standard approach. Standard excision with a 6mm safety margin was associated with 86.46% (95% CI: 79.62-93.30) of complete excision. Greater margins were not associated with a statistically significant improvement of complete excision. Mohs surgery should be considered the gold standard operative treatment for high-risk BCC. However, if micrographic techniques are not feasible, the standard excision with a predetermined margin of 6 mm, should be considered as the best option.

Periocular basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids – review

Introduction. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumour of the eyelids and periocular region throughout the world. BCC represents 90 % of malignant tumours of the eyelids, predominantly in the male population. The incidence is higher in age over 60. Over 50% of BCC of the periocular region initially occur on the lower lid and inner angle. Research objectives. Literature review of the epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, clinical attributes, diagnostics, treatment histopathology, recurrence, prognostic factors, and management of BCC. Core of work. Standardised incidence of diagnosis C44 in the period 1997–2012 in Slovakia ranged from 35.05 to 73.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The histopathological examination is essential. The first consideration for treatment of periocular BCC is radical surgical excision using Mohs micrographic technique. We can consider the apoptotic index, the expression of Bcl-2, as an unexplained prognostic factor of BCC recurrence. Conclusion. Increased attention must be given to periocular malignant tumours. Functional and aesthetic outcome in patients is important after clear excisions and reconstruction should be carefully considered. Radical exenteration is considered in the case of orbital invasion of high-risk aggressive BCC.

Application of Mohs Technique for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nipple areolar complex (NAC) is a rare entity with only a few cases reported in the medical literature. The standard treatment for invasive squamous cell carcinoma includes complete surgical excision of the lesion with postoperative assessment of free margins. Although this skin cancer involves the NAC it should be considered as a completely separate entity from other breast cancers, and therefore may be treated differently than breast cancers involving the NAC. Mohs micrographic surgery is a well-accepted technique for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) with its remarkable precision for tumor eradication and tissue-sparing properties which favor excellent aesthetic outcome. We present a clinical case of 75-year-old Caucasian female who presented to our clinic with a papulose, scaly lesion located at her right nipple that was confirmed to be SCC of the nipple. The patient underwent complete excision of the tumor using Mohs micrographic technique with immediate reconstruction of spared NAC using purse-string suture technique. Free surgical margins were determined intra-operatively by Mohs’s cryosurgery method and further assessed by permanent evaluation. Follow-up was assessed for 3 years without evidence of local recurrence, and high patient satisfaction with the final aesthetic outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that validates the feasibility of application of the Mohs technique for nipple SCC excision with immediate nipple reconstruction. Our results suggest that Mohs micrographic surgical technique may be a safe treatment modality for SCC lesions of the NAC allowing superior tissue preservation and enhanced aesthetic results compared to standard wide local excision.

Periocular basal cell carcinoma - clinical perspectives.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) as a non-melanoma skin cancer type is the most common malignant tumor throughout the world. The incidence is higher in age over 60. The intense of exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the known risk factors. Over 50% of BCC of the periocular region initially occur on the lower lid and inner angle. Literature review of treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, which consist of surgery, or combined techniques plus vismodegib, radiotherapy and imiquimod. The first consideration for treatment of periocular BCC is radical surgical excision using Mohs micrographic technique. Functional and esthetic outcome in patients are important after clear excisions and reconstruction should be carefully considered. Radical exenteration is considered in the case of orbital invasion of high-risk aggressive BCC.

Conception and Management of a Poorly Understood Spectrum of Dermatologic Neoplasms: Atypical Fibroxanthoma, Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma, and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) tumors share many clinical, etiologic, and histologic features and likely represent components of a tumor spectrum. In dermatologic oncology, differentiating between AFX and PDS is pivotal as tumors with histological features consistent with PDS are more likely to behave in a clinically aggressive manner. Importantly, the term "pleomorphic dermal sarcoma" (PDS) is a more appropriate designation than "undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma" (UPS) for describing deeper, more aggressive, histologically high-grade cutaneous tumors that otherwise resemble AFX. Surgery remains the gold standard for treatment. In the setting of AFX, excision with the Mohs micrographic technique appears to offer superior tumor control rates while maintaining greater tissue preservation over wide local excision and should be considered first line. In the setting of PDS, optimal management is less clear given the paucity of available data. However, due to its greater propensity to recur and metastasize, extirpation with complete tumor margin control appears paramount. The roles of imaging and SLNB in management and clinical outcomes of AFX and PDS are unclear given the lack of available data. In reality, these tools are unlikely to be helpful in most cases of AFX. However, in the setting of PDS, emerging literature indicates that these tumors are inherently higher risk, and thus, imaging and SLNB may be helpful in select cases. Additionally, radiation therapy may be of adjuvant benefit for these tumors when clear surgical margins cannot be obtained. While traditional chemotherapy has been largely ineffectual, the recent discovery of key oncogenetic mutations has allowed for the identification of several potential molecular drug targets that may have a therapeutic role with future study. In the unfortunate setting of metastatic disease, a multidisciplinary approach is optimal. Further studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions regarding risk stratification and best management practices.

Malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasms of the face and scalp: Diagnostic and therapeutic update

Malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasms are rare and have been characterized only recently. They can occur at any age but preferentially in elderly. There are 3of them: trichoblastic carcinoma, trichilemmal carcinoma and malignant pilomatricoma. The aim of our study was to make a diagnostic and therapeutic update about these tumors when located at the face or at the scalp. A bibliographic research was made on PubMed using following keywords: appendage skin carcinoma AND pathology AND/OR therapeutic. Articles published before 2000were considered outdated and were excluded. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Clinical presentation was non-specific. Histological examination only allowed for diagnosis. Lesions were locally or loco-regionally aggressive. Lymphatic or hematogenous metastasis were reported. No consensus about treatment was found. When surgery was used, it consisted in resection with safety margins ranging from 0.5to 3cm depending on the teams. In case of metastasis, treatment consisted in chemo- and/or radiotherapy. A quarterly medical monitoring was recommended. Malignant cutaneous adnexal tumors are rare. There is nowadays no treatment consensus. An initial staging by mean of a head and neck, chest, abdominal and pelvic CT-scan is mandatory. Treatment has to be decided in a multidisciplinary cancer committee. In the absence of metastasis, the reference treatment is surgical resection, possibly by Mohs micrographic technique, with large safety margins. In case of metastasis or if the loco-regional extension does not allow for a complete excision, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be proposed. A close monitoring is essential.

Management of High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the USA, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) constituting approximately 20% of all NMSC. While cSCCs typically behave in an indolent fashion and can be cured with local destructive or surgical methods, a small subset metastasizes and induces significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying and aggressively treating these "high-risk" cSCCs (HRcSCCs) is thus paramount. Recent improvements in staging cSCCs appear to offer better risk stratification than earlier staging criteria. Radiologic imaging and sentinel lymph node biopsy may be beneficial in certain cases of HRcSCC, although more studies are needed before these techniques should be uniformly incorporated into management. Surgery with complete margin control, such as that offered by the Mohs micrographic technique, represents the first-line treatment for these tumors. Radiation therapy is likely most beneficial in the adjuvant setting. Chemotherapy is typically best reserved for patients with metastatic or locally advance disease that is not controllable with surgical and/or radiation therapies. Newer targeted treatments, such as EGFR inhibitors and immunotherapies may offer greater efficacy in these settings, although further evaluation is needed.

Treatment of Extramammary Paget Disease with Topical Imiquimod Cream: Case Report and Literature Review

Extramammary Paget disease is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm that presents as erythematous plaques most frequently located in the anogenital region. Management of patients with extramammary Paget disease involves evaluation of the individual for: (1) a disease-associated, unsuspected, visceral malignancy and (2) secondary adenocarcinoma in the underlying dermis or regional lymph nodes. Several modalities, each with variable effectiveness, are available to treat the cutaneous component of the disease: electrodesiccation and curettage, laser surgery, aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and wide surgical excision. However, surgical excision using the Mohs micrographic technique is currently the modality of choice for treating the cutaneous lesions of extramammary Paget disease. Recently, a topical imidazoquinoline immunomodulator that induces cytokine production and stimulates the innate and cellular immune responses--imiquimod cream-has been used for the management of primary or relapsing extramammary Paget disease. Complete healing, without recurrence, of extramammary Paget disease in patients whose cutaneous lesions were treated topically with imiquimod 5% cream was observed. We describe a man with suprapubic extramammary Paget disease whose condition was primary and limited to his skin. Biopsy-confirmed complete resolution of his disease was observed after the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream 3 times per week (on alternate days) for 16 weeks. After reviewing the published reports of other patients with extramammary Paget disease whose disease was successfully treated with imiquimod cream, we suggest that topical imiquimod 5% cream-at least 3 times per week (with 1-2 d of nontreatment in between) for a minimum of 8 to 16 weeks--be considered as an initial treatment for primary cutaneous extramammary Paget disease. Surgical excision or an alternative therapeutic modality is recommended for patients whose extramammary Paget disease persists or recurs after treatment with topical imiquimod.

Periocular Deep Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma

The distinction between benign and malignant cutaneous periocular lesions can be difficult, as the clinical history and appearance are often quite similar. When present, typical cutaneous changes are often helpful in distinguishing between benign and malignant neoplasms. However, when tumors lack characteristic epidermal change, histopathologic examination may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The authors present their experience in the evaluation and management of two patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma who were initially diagnosed as having benign cysts. The case records for two patients with periocular basal cell carcinoma were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were available for comparison in one case. For each patient, the medical history, clinical presentation, histology, and surgical outcome were reviewed. In each case, the periocular mass was initially diagnosed as a benign process. Histopathologic examination following excisional biopsy established the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma in both patients. Following biopsy, residual tumor was removed by the Mohs micrographic technique. There were no surgical complications and no tumor recurrences during follow-up of one year and eight years. Periocular basal cell carcinoma may mimic benign cystic lesions of the central face. Incorrect diagnosis may result in delayed or inappropriate therapy, or failure to submit seemingly benign lesions for histopathologic examination. Definitive treatment requires complete excision with histologic margin control.

Incidence of residual basal cell carcinoma in patients who appear tumor free after biopsy

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) biopsy sites often heal with no clinical evidence of residual tumor. The purpose of our study is to determine whether such patients require further therapy. If biopsies can be curative, health care costs can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary surgery. We prospectively evaluated 41 consecutive subjects with 42 biopsy-confirmed BCCs who appeared disease free. Each biopsy site was excised and processed by the Mohs micrographic technique. The tissue block was sectioned horizontally at 30-micrometer intervals until exhausted. Sections were stained and examined microscopically for residual tumor. Tumor was identified in 28 (66%) of 42 cases. No statistically significant relationship was found between the presence or absence of residual tumor and the following variables: age, sex, tumor location, biopsy technique, histopathologic subtype, scar size, time from biopsy to surgery, and extent of inflammation in histologic sections. Our data suggest that patients with small (< 1 cm) primary BCCs that appear to be completely removed after a biopsy procedure are at risk for recurrence without further treatment.

Mohs micrographic surgery: A cost analysis

Background: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing significantly, and many people have declared the increase an epidemic. It was estimated that 900,000 to 1.2 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer occurred in the United States in 1994. With increasing pressure to deliver cost-effective medical care, physicians must understand the cost and value of the various methods to treat skin cancer. Objective: Our purpose was to define the true cost of treating a series of skin cancers with the Mohs micrographic technique and compare our costs with calculated estimates of the costs to treat the same cancers with traditional methods of surgical excision. Methods: A group of 400 consecutive tumors was selected. The cost of treatment in the reference group included diagnosis, Mohs micrographic surgery, reconstruction (if applicable), follow-up, and the cost to treat disease recurrence. These costs were then compared with traditional methods of surgical excision: excision with permanent section margin control, excision with frozen section margin control, and excision with frozen section margin control in an ambulatory surgical facility. For cost comparisons, it was assumed that all tumors in the comparison groups would be excised with standard surgical margins and the resultant surgical defects would be reconstructed with the simplest method possible. The costs of diagnosis, excision, pathology, reconstruction, and the cost to treat disease recurrence were then calculated and compared with the costs of treating the lesions with Mohs micrographic surgery. Results: Our calculation of costs documents that Mohs micrographic surgery is similar in cost to office-based traditional surgical excision and less expensive than ambulatory surgical facility–based surgical excision. The average cost of Mohs micrographic surgery was $1243 versus $1167 for excision with permanent section margin control, $1400 for excision in the office with frozen section margin control, and $1973 for excision with frozen section margin control in an ambulatory surgical facility. Analysis based on anatomic location yielded similar results. Conclusion: Mohs micrographic surgery is a method of surgical excision with high intrinsic value that is cost-effective in comparison to traditional surgical excision. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:698-703.)

Full-thickness Skin Grafts

A recent animal study indicated that epinephrine in local anesthesia adversely affects the survival of full-thickness skin grafts. Because animal models do not always correlate to humans, we performed a prospective observational study to elucidate the clinical outcome of using epinephrine in local anesthesia of the donor site. Seventy-two patients had cutaneous tumors excised by the Mohs micrographic technique. The resultant surgical defects were repaired using full-thickness skin grafts. Patients were randomly divided into two groups based on the local anesthetic used at the donor site: (1) 1% lidocaine (Xylocaine) (n = 33) or (2) 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (n = 39).Assessment of the skin grafts at 1 week revealed a significantly increased risk of developing graft complications in the lidocaine with epinephrine group compared with the plain lidocaine group. The overall cosmetic outcome of the grafted site at 6 weeks revealed no significant difference between the two groups.Because there was only a minimal clinical effect of epinephrine on graft survival observed at 1 week and there was no effect on the 6-week cosmetic outcome, we do not recommend harvesting all full-thickness skin grafts with plain lidocaine. In certain clinical circumstances with compromised vascular supply or poor oxygenation, the use of plain lidocaine may be advantageous.