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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
A pilot feasibility study of a rare skin tumor database
Heather L Anderson1, Aaron K Joseph
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Summary
Mohs surgeons successfully collaborated to create a rare skin tumor database, identifying 43 tumor types. This initiative demonstrates the potential for a national registry to study uncommon, aggressive skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Melanoma is the only individually reported skin cancer in the US.
- No national registries exist for nonmelanoma skin cancer.
- Rare, nonepithelial skin tumors can be aggressive and metastatic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate Mohs surgeons' ability to share data for a rare skin tumor database.
- To establish a model for a potential nationwide rare skin tumor registry.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of surgery logs from five Mohs surgery practices.
- Analysis of 42,279 biopsy-proven skin cancers treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.
- Compilation of tumor type, prevalence, treatment year, and treating surgeon data.
Main Results:
- Identification of 43 distinct rare tumor types.
- Treatment of 317 rare skin tumors.
- Atypical fibroxanthoma identified as the most frequently treated rare tumor.
Conclusions:
- Cooperative efforts among Mohs surgeons can establish valuable rare tumor databases.
- The compiled data offers a broader spectrum of rare tumors for research than any single practice can provide.
- This study supports the development of a national rare skin tumor database.
