Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Patients Older Than Age 85 Years Presenting for Mohs Surgery: A Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study.

Importance: It has been suggested that Mohs surgery for skin cancer among individuals with limited life expectancy may be associated with needless risk and discomfort, along with increased health care costs. Objective: To investigate patient- and tumor-specific indications considered by clinicians for treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer in older individuals. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted using data from US private practice and academic centers. Included patients were those older than age 85 years presenting for skin cancer surgery and referred for Mohs surgery, with reference groups of those younger than age 85 years receiving Mohs surgery and those older than age 85 years not receiving Mohs surgery. Data were analyzed from November 2018 through January 2019. Exposures: Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Main Outcomes and Measures: Reason for treatment selection. Results: Among 1181 patients older than age 85 years referred for Mohs surgery (724 [61.9%] men among 1169 patients with sex data; 681 individuals aged >85 to 88 years [57.9%] among 1176 patients with age data) treated at 22 sites, 1078 patients (91.3%) were treated by Mohs surgery, and 103 patients (8.7%) received alternate treatment. Patients receiving Mohs surgery were more likely to have tumors on the face (738 patients [68.5%] vs 26 patients [25.2%]; P < .001) and nearly 4-fold more likely to have high functional status (614 patients [57.0%] vs 16 patients [15.5%]; P < .001). Of 15 distinct reasons provided by surgeons for opting to proceed with Mohs surgery, the most common were patient desire for treatment with a high cure rate (712 patients [66.0%]), good or excellent patient functional status for age (614 patients [57.0%]), and high risk associated with the tumor based on histology (433 patients [40.2%]). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that older patients who received Mohs surgery often had high functional status, high-risk tumors, and tumors located on the face. These findings suggest that timely surgical treatment may be appropriate in older patients given that their tumors may be aggressive, painful, disfiguring, and anxiety provoking.

Histopathologic upgrading of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas during Mohs micrographic surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Initial biopsies of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) may not reveal aggressive histologic features, which would otherwise inform appropriate surgical management and patient education. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of, and risk factors for, histopathologic upgrading of cSCC during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of invasive cSCCs treated with MMS between 2017 and 2019 at 1 academic institution. An "upgrade" was defined as a lesser degree of differentiation (poor or moderate) and/or bony or perineural invasion identified during MMS that was not reported in histopathologic evaluation of the initial biopsy. RESULTS: Of the 1558 tumors studied, 115 (7.4%) were upgraded during MMS. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex, prior field treatment, location on the ear/lip, rapid growth of cSCC, and tumor diameter ≥2 cm were significant predictors of tumor upgrading. Upgraded tumors were more likely to require ≥3 MMS stages to clear, complicated closure (flap or graft), or outside (referral) repairs. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study, retrospective, and inter-rater variability. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of cSCCs is histopathologically upgraded with more aggressive features during MMS. Routinely documented patient and tumor characteristics can predict tumor upgrading and assist clinicians in directing the management of potentially high-risk cSCC patients.

Complications After Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Patients Aged 85 and Older.

BACKGROUND: As the US population ages, safe surgical procedures are necessary for treatment of cutaneous neoplasms in very elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of complications associated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in patients aged 85 and older, and the risk factors that predispose to complications. METHODS: A 9-year retrospective chart review of patients aged 85 and older who underwent MMS at our institution between 07/2007 and 11/2016 was performed. Six types of complications associated with scalpel-based cutaneous surgery were recorded, as well as patient, tumor, and repair characteristics. RESULTS: This study included 949 patients totaling in 1683 MMS cases. There were 30 complications: infection (N = 11), wound dehiscence (N = 6), hematoma (N = 6), hemorrhage (N = 5), flap necrosis (N = 1), and graft necrosis (N = 1), resulting in an overall complication rate of 1.78%. Independent risk factors associated with a statistically higher incidence of complications were anticoagulant use (odds ratio [OR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-6.13; p = .012), extremity location (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.19-6.54; p = .018), greater than 2 MMS stages (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.08-5.46; p = .032), and flap repair (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.05-4.90; p = .036). CONCLUSION: Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe procedure for treatment of cutaneous neoplasms in the very elderly.

Surveyed dermatologists are less likely to curette invasive squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is increased in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs), and preferential treatment modalities vary among clinicians. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to survey dermatologists regarding practice patterns for electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC) of SCC in OTRs and nontransplant patients. METHODS: An 18-question survey was sent to dermatologist members of the International Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative, Association of Professors of Dermatology, and American College of Mohs Surgery. Differences in EDC practice patterns for treatment of SCC in OTRs and nontransplant patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Dermatologists in this study (N = 227) were more likely to treat SCC with EDC in nontransplant patients (67.4%) than in OTRs (48.0%; P = .0003).Dermatologists who perform EDC in both groups (n = 108) were unlikely to use EDC on the H-zone of the face; they were more likely to EDC tumors on non-H-zone areas of the face and neck in nontransplant patients compared to OTRs (P = .0007). Dermatologists were more likely to use EDC over surgery in nontransplant patients compared to OTRs with the following demographics: dementia or psychiatric disease (P = .04), multiple medical comorbidities (P = .03), or anticoagulation medications (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In OTRs with SCC, 48% of clinicians would consider EDC. The main factors that affect the decision to perform EDC include tumor location and patient comorbidities.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Hand: A Retrospective Study in Immunosuppressed and Immunocompetent Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hand presents a treatment challenge because of the anatomical complexity of this location. Immunosuppressed patients are disproportionately affected by cutaneous SCC. Existing data on SCC of the hand are primarily presented in the orthopedic literature, and may thus be affected by referral bias. OBJECTIVE: Characterization of epidemiology and treatment outcomes for hand versus nonhand cutaneous SCC in immunosuppressed versus immunocompetent patients, across all clinical departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-institution retrospective cohort study of cutaneous SCC evaluated over 3 years and hand SCC over an additional 5 years. RESULTS: A cohort of 522 hand SCC cases (1,746 total SCC) was ascertained among 1,064 patients, of whom 175 were immunosuppressed. Occurrence on the hand was more common for SCC arising in immunosuppressed versus immunocompetent patients (38% vs 24% of cases respectively). Hand SCC cases demonstrated balanced laterality and comparable spectra of differentiation regardless of immunosuppression. No cases of hand SCC metastasis were observed over greater than 2 years' mean follow-up, and digital amputation was only required in approximately 1% of hand SCCs. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, assessment of hand SCC across all clinical departments suggests more favorable prognosis than reflected in the previous literature.

Extramammary Paget Disease: A Review of the Literature-Part I: History, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Presentation, Histopathology, and Diagnostic Work-up.

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare malignancy with unclear pathophysiology that occurs predominantly on apocrine rich skin. Surgery is the treatment of choice; however, procedures tend to be extensive and associated with a high rate of recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on EMPD regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histology, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review using PubMed search for articles related to EMPD. RESULTS: Extramammary Paget disease classically presents as a slowly growing red plaque, which often mimics an inflammatory condition leading to significant delay in diagnosis. Diagnosis requires histopathologic examination and is often supported by immunohistochemical analysis. Once a diagnosis of EMPD is made, the patient must be risk-stratified and evaluated for an underlying malignancy. CONCLUSION: Standard of treatment is surgery, with data suggesting that Mohs micrographic surgery may have superior clinical outcomes and lower recurrence rates. Alternatives such as photodynamic therapy and topicals have been explored and may be appropriate in certain situations. Patients with EMPD generally have a good prognosis with a 5-year overall survival rate of 75% to 95%.

Positive Bacterial Culture Results at a Dermatologic Surgery Center: A Single-Site Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Typical prophylactic coverage of suspected cutaneous surgical-site infections (SSIs) predominantly covers gram-positive bacteria. Data regarding the frequency of infection with unusual bacteria, not covered by prophylaxis, are not available. OBJECTIVE: A retrospective 10-year review of culture-positive infections at a single academic site was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All positive bacterial culture results at the Washington University Center for Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery between October 31, 2007, and October 31, 2017, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Coagulase-negative staphylococcus accounted for 20.8% of positive culture results. Staphylococcus aureus caused 45.4% of infections. The remaining 33.8% were due to non-S. aureus bacteria, most frequently with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.8%). Numerous other gram-negative organisms and unusual gram-positive organisms were cultured. The lower extremity and ear were the only sites more likely to be infected with non-S. aureus bacteria. Smokers and immunosuppressed individuals were not more likely to have an SSI with non-S. aureus bacteria. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of all SSIs with positive culture results was due to bacteria that are not sensitive to beta-lactam prophylaxis. Broader coverage for suspected SSI should be considered, particularly on the lower extremity and ear.

Extramammary Paget's Disease: A Review of the Literature Part II: Treatment and Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare malignancy with unclear pathophysiology that occurs predominantly on apocrine-rich skin. Surgery is the treatment of choice; however, procedures tend to be extensive and associated with a high rate of recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on EMPD regarding treatment and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review using PubMed search for articles related to EMPD. RESULTS: Extramammary Paget's disease classically presents as a slowly growing red plaque, which often mimics an inflammatory condition leading to significant delay in diagnosis. Diagnosis requires histopathologic examination and is often supported by immunohistochemical analysis. Once a diagnosis of EMPD is made, the patient must be risk-stratified and evaluated for an underlying malignancy. CONCLUSION: Standard of treatment is surgery, with data suggesting that Mohs micrographic surgery may have superior clinical outcomes and lower recurrence rates. Alternatives such as photodynamic therapy and topicals have been explored and may be appropriate in certain situations. Patients with EMPD generally have a good prognosis with a 5-year overall survival rate of 75% to 95%.

Pacemakers, Deep Brain Stimulators, Cochlear Implants, and Nerve Stimulators: A Review of Common Devices Encountered in the Dermatologic Surgery Patient.

BACKGROUND: In dermatologic and procedural surgery settings, there are commonly encountered devices in patients. Safe surgical planning requires familiarity with these devices. OBJECTIVE: To review the current implanted devices in patients and recommendations for surgical planning around these devices. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive review using PubMed and published device recommendations was performed, searching for those most relevant to dermatologic surgery. RESULTS: Devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, and various nerve stimulators are potential devices that may be encountered in patients and specific recommendations exist for each of these devices. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic surgeons' knowledge of implanted devices in patients is paramout to safe surgical procedures.

Histopathologic upgrading of nonmelanoma skin cancer at the time of Mohs micrographic surgery: A prospective review.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal experience and data from multiple retrospective studies have suggested that a significant percentage of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) display an aggressive histologic subtype that is not diagnosed on initial biopsy. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine the proportion of NMSCs upgraded at the time of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and examine the surgical parameters of upgraded lesions. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, all patients undergoing MMS for NMSC at our institution over the course of 1 year were screened for inclusion. Frozen sections were reviewed independently by 2 fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons. RESULTS: In total, 265 of 2578 (10.3%) tumors displayed a more aggressive skin cancer histologic subtype on frozen-section analysis at the time of surgery than at the initial biopsy. Upgraded tumors required significantly more stages to reach tumor clearance, had a larger postoperative defect size, and more often required complicated repairs than nonupgraded tumors. LIMITATIONS: Single center study, limited time period, and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION: A significant portion of MMS cases were upgraded at the time of surgery to a more aggressive subtype than that seen at the initial biopsy. Upgraded cases were larger and more surgically challenging than nonupgraded ones. This finding has important implications for primary dermatologists' referral practices and Mohs appropriate use criteria guidelines.

Clinical Characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinoma in African Americans: A 10-Year Retrospective Review at a Single Academic Institution.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an uncommon diagnosis in African Americans, and as a result, there is a limited amount of data available. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the clinical characteristics of BCC in African Americans treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series in an ambulatory referral center at a single academic institution from 2007 to 2017 to characterize BCCs in African Americans treated with MMS. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients, who identified as black or African American, with 18 BCCs were included for analysis. Patients were predominantly female (82%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 61 years. Seventy-eight percent of tumors were located in the head and neck region with 50% of BCCs located in high-risk areas. The average preoperative and postoperative defect size was 1.78 and 5.90 cm, respectively, with a mean number of 2.2 Mohs stages required for tumor clearance. One patient had Gorlin syndrome. CONCLUSION: The presented retrospective review adds to limited available reported studies regarding BCC in African Americans to potentially aid in early recognition of these tumors.