Mohs micrographic surgery for periocular skin cancer: a single-institution experience

Kevin Shi1, Laura Wang1, Divya Srivastava1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd, 4th Floor Suite 100, Dallas, TX, USA.

Insights

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides high cure rates for periocular skin cancers. Previously treated basal cell carcinomas showed a higher recurrence risk after MMS.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Periocular skin cancers necessitate treatments balancing efficacy with tissue preservation.
  • Maintaining eyelid and lacrimal system function is crucial post-treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of periocular tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
  • To identify factors associated with adverse outcomes following MMS for these tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of periocular tumors treated with MMS.
  • Data collected from an academic, metropolitan referral center (2013-2018).
  • Analysis of tumor types, recurrence rates, and prognostic factors.

Main Results:

  • 316 tumors from 307 patients analyzed: 75.3% basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 20.9% squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2.5% melanoma, 1.3% adnexal carcinoma.
  • Excellent cure rates observed with only two BCC recurrences over a mean follow-up of 47 months.
  • Previously treated BCCs demonstrated a higher risk of recurrence post-MMS.

Conclusions:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery achieves excellent cure rates for periocular cutaneous malignancies.
  • Previously treated basal cell carcinomas represent a higher risk group for recurrence after MMS.