Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Patients Younger Than 40 Years.

BACKGROUND: As the availability of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) continues to expand in Australia and incidence of keratinocyte cancer increases in adolescents and young adults, there has been rising interest in the use of MMS in this population. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of MMS cases in patients younger than 40 years. METHODS: A review was performed of all MMS cases in patients younger than 40 years at the time of their surgery from 2012 to 2017 at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, with comparison to a control group, aged older than 40 years. Patient, tumor and management characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-three cases were eligible. Study and control groups differed significantly regarding gender (p < .001), tumor pathology (p < .001), anatomic site of tumor (p < .001), Mohs surgery stages (p = .039), defect size (p < .001), and repair method (p < .001). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study at a single institution. CONCLUSION: Mohs micrographic surgery cases in patients younger than 40 years exhibit unique patient and tumor characteristics influencing choice of repair method.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia, 20 Years Later (1997-2017).

BACKGROUND: The availability of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in Australia has increased dramatically since its inception in the 1980s. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the evolution of MMS practices at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia (SCFA) over the past 20 years (1997-2017). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of Mohs surgery cases at SCFA in 2017, 2007, and 1997, comparing data on sex, age, tumor type and site, initial tumor and final defect size, number of surgical stages and sections, and closure management. The present study is limited by being a retrospective analysis from a single institution. RESULTS: There was a 415% increase in the number of Mohs surgery cases from 1997 to 2017, and a significant increase in Mohs surgery-treated squamous cell carcinoma. The preoperative tumor and final defect size have decreased. More side-to-side closures and fewer grafts are being performed over time. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective analysis from a single institution. CONCLUSION: Over the last 20 years, MMS has remained appropriate in its application and is being increasingly used for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma suggesting improved access.

Jellyfish-like sonographic pattern can help recognition of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Report of 3 new cases and review of the literature.

High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) can help improve dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) recognition. We present three cases of DFSP in which a "jellyfish-like" sonographic pattern was a useful adjunct in formulating the diagnosis. In addition, we review all DFSP ultrasound images available in the literature.

Usefulness of high-frequency ultrasonography in the assessment of cutaneous lesions in children with hematologic malignancies.

High-frequency ultrasonography is a bedside tool increasingly used for the assessment of skin lesions, but there have been few reports about its importance in children with skin signs of hematologic disease. We present three cases to highlight the usefulness of high-frequency ultrasonography in assisting with the diagnosis of these skin lesions.

Cutaneous non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease: A case series.

We report the first case series of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplant patients with graft versus host disease who developed cutaneous non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection. A multidisciplinary approach, reduction of immunosuppressive medications, combination of antibiotics, close skin surveillance and excision of suitable lesions are recommended in this specific subgroup.