Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Facial Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

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.