Abstract
Purpose of Review
The aims of this report are to review literature supporting the use of Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer and to address indications and potential limitations of this form of therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer.
Recent Findings
The first randomized controlled trial comparing standard excision to Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment of facial basal cell carcinoma has recently been published, demonstrating a lower recurrence rate after Mohs surgery compared to standard excision after a 5-year and 10-year follow-up period, supporting its use in the treatment of high-risk basal cell skin cancer.
Summary
Mohs micrographic surgery is indicated for treatment of basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas at high risk of recurrence and for tumors located in areas where tissue conservation and/or functional preservation is desired.
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References
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance
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• van Loo E, Mosterd K, Krekels GA, Roozeboom MH, Ostertag JU, Dirksen CD, et al. Surgical excision versus Mohs’ micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the face: a randomised clinical trial with 10 year follow-up. Eur J Cancer. 2014;50(17):3011–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2014.08.018. This was the first randomized controlled trial evaluating Mohs versus standard excision which demonstrated a significantly lower recurrence rate for high-risk facial basal cell carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery compared to standard excision after a 10-year follow-up period.
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on HEAD & NECK: Non-melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
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Quintanilla-Dieck, J., Bichakjian, C.K. & Durham, A.B. Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Treatment of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 6, 115–119 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-018-0193-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-018-0193-5