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Updated: Aug 18, 2025
Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Facial Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Brian J Nguyen1, Elana A Meer1, Sana A Bautista1
16572 Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.
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.
