Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Facial Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Issue 1 (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Brian J.; Meer, Elana A.; Bautista, Sana A.; Kim, Diana H.; Etzkorn, Jeremy R.; McGeehan, Brendan; Miller, Christopher J.; Briceno, Cesar A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. Volume 27:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: cancer -- surgery; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Canada -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1177/12034754221143080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-4754

Abstract

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumor with frequent metastases. They often appear in the face where cosmetic and functional outcome is critical. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a controlled intervention that optimizes negative margins without sacrificing tissue. Objective: A comprehensive assessment of outcomes of MMS-treated facial MCC will help guide clinicians in surgical and medical management. Methods & Materials: Retrospective review identified facial MCC cases treated with MMS at a single institution from January 2005 to August 2020. Tumor characteristics and outcomes were recorded and descriptive and predictive analyses were performed. Results: 34 cases were reviewed with a mean followup of 34.4 months. The most common sites were the forehead, cheek-jaw region, and nasal ala. 2 (5.9%) patients had local recurrence by a mean of 4.3 months. No documented variables were significantly associated with local recurrence. 8 (23.5%) patients had progression to metastasis by a mean of 9.4 months. Younger age at biopsy and surgery, male sex, and intraoperative detection of in-transit disease were significantly associated with progression to metastasis. Conclusions: In summary, the tissue-sparing approach of MMS may be beneficial for MCC in cosmetically and functionally sensitive facial locations as it preserves tissue without compromising outcomes.