Detection of High-Risk Histologic Features and Tumor Upstaging of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers on Debulk Analysis: A Quantitative Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Histologic analysis of tumor debulks from Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) or wide local excision may lead to the detection of adverse features missed on initial biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the incidence of (1) high-risk features on debulk analysis compared with initial biopsy and (2) upstaging of tumors on debulk analysis according to the American Joint Committee of Cancer-7th Edition (AJCC-7) and the Brigham and Women's Alternative (BWH) staging criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE was conducted to identify articles published from 1960 to present that detail histology of initial biopsy and debulked tumor.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies, encompassing 2,565 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were included in the data extraction process. BCCs (30.9%) were reclassified from a low-risk histologic subtype to a high-risk subtype on debulk analysis (p < .001). Cases with perineural invasion (89.4%) were detected on debulk analysis. SCC tumors (9.1% and 11.1%) were upstaged according to the AJCC-7 and BWH Alternative criteria, respectively. Ninety percent of high-risk BWH T2b SCCs were inaccurately staged lower on initial biopsy.

CONCLUSION: Tumor debulk analysis in MMS may aid in the identification of additional high-risk features, thereby improving staging accuracy, treatment decisions and patient outcomes.