Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Oncology
• Cutaneous Malignancies

Background:

• Localized cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is primarily treated with surgical excision.
• Treatment choice between conventional excision (CE) and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) depends on cSCC risk factors, tumor characteristics, and facility capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare the outcomes of cSCC treated with MMS versus CE.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMS compared to CE for cSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies published between 1974 and 2023.
• Inclusion of 10 studies after screening 6821 records and 156 studies.
• Comparative analysis of recurrence rates and treatment effectiveness between MMS and CE.

Main Results:

• The majority of included studies indicate that MMS significantly reduces the risk of cSCC recurrence compared to CE.
• MMS is increasingly favored for resecting cSCC in aesthetically or functionally critical anatomical areas.
• 10 studies were included in the review, analyzing data from 6821 initially identified records.

Conclusions:

• MMS is generally demonstrated to be a safer and more effective treatment for cSCC than CE.
• Further precise assessment of recurrence rates and cost-effectiveness is needed for tailored MMS indication.
• MMS offers superior outcomes in specific cSCC cases, warranting further investigation into optimal treatment strategies.