Mohs and Plastic Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ on the Upper Nose*

Patient

Age:: undisclosed
Gender:: Female
Ethnicity:: White
Height:: 5’ 0” - 5’ 5”
Weight:: 100 - 149 lbs
Gallery:: 36728

Procedure

Profile

**Dr. Thornwell H. Parker, III**

214-814-7965

Procedure Details

This 50 year old female was referred to our office with a lesion on her upper nose near the right medial canthus. A biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma in situ, keratotic type and Mohs surgery was recommended primarily due to the location of the skin cancer. Mohs surgery was performed followed by plastic surgery for reconstruction. The procedure performed for reconstruction was a complex repair (linear repair closed in layers). Patient had sutures removed six days later and then follow-up was six weeks after that. No other treatments were needed for this patient. The patient is very happy with her results.

Mohs for Squamous Cell on Nose Prior to reconstruction — Prior to reconstruction

Mohs for Squamous Cell on Nose Six weeks post reconstruction — Six weeks post reconstruction

Patient is healing fantastic six weeks post reconstruction following Mohs surgery and repair for squamous cell carcinoma in situ on her upper nose. More

Intraoperative Photos

Intraoperative Photos After reconstruction — After reconstruction

What is a "complex repair"?

There are many way to stitch a wound closed. Most wounds are stitched as a straight line, AKA linear repair. However, there are different ways or techniques to pull the skin edges together. We most often classify linear repairs into one of 3 categories:

1. "Simple Repair" - A single layer of stitches are used to pull the layers of skin together.

2. "Intermediate Repair" - At least two layers of closure are performed to pull the skin together. A small amount of "undermining" of the skin edges may also be performed.

3. "Complex Repair" - At least two layers of closure are performed to pull the skin together. More significant "undermining" of the skin edges is performed.

What is "undermining"? Skin is attached to the underlying layers by small fibers. Undermining releases these fibers and allows the skin to slide together more easily. Typically a small surgical blade or surgical scissors are used to release these fibers

Location

Skin Cancer Consultants