Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Leibovitch I, Huilgol SC, Selva D, Lun K, Richards S, Paver R

Department of Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic and Orbital Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is reported to have a high rate of recurrence with standard wide local excision. OBJECTIVE: To report a large series of patients with MAC treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: This prospective, multi-center case series included all patients in Australia treated with MMS for MAC, who were monitored by the Skin and Cancer Foundation between 1993 and 2002. RESULTS: There were 44 cases; most of them (90.9%) were located in the head and neck area. In 31.8% of cases it was a recurrent tumor. In 32.5% of cases the tumor was initially misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Perineural invasion was recorded in 17.5% of cases; most of them (85.7%) were previously recurrent tumors. There was only one case of recurrence (5%) out of 20 patients who completed a 5 year follow-up period after MMS. CONCLUSION: The low 5-year recurrence rate of MAC with MMS emphasizes the importance of margin-controlled excision.

Published 4 February 2005 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 52(2): 295-300.
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