A review of Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction of cutaneous malignant tumors over the past 10 years

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have shown that Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) decreased the recurrent rate of tumors and conserved the normal, unaffected tissue. Therefore, MMS is accepted as the first choice treatment modality for cutaneous malignant tumors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the use of MMS and reconstruction of cutaneous malignant tumors over the past 10 years. Method: We retrospectively evaluated 104 patients who had been diagnosed with cutaneous malignant tumors between January 1994 and December 2003, and had been treated with MMS and tumor reconstruction. Results: There were 54 males and 50 females. The mean age was 62. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common skin tumor, and the most common anatomical site was the face. Mean number of stages of MMS were 1.91, and the mean size of the final defect after MMS was 19.46×25.4 mm. A local flap was most commonly used to repair the surgical defects (59%). Recurrent cases totalled 2 out of 104 over the 4-60 months of follow up. Conclusion: MMS and proper reconstruction are a reliable and effective method for the treatment of cutaneous malignant tumors and offers the lowest functional and cosmetic morbidity in skin cancer treatment.