Mohs proves highly effective for female genital skin cancers – pooled review reports ~95% cure
A targeted systematic review of the literature identified 166 treated cases of extramammary Paget’s disease, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma of the female genital region managed with Mohs micrographic surgery.
Across these heterogeneous series the pooled curative rate was approximately 95%, suggesting superior local control compared with conventional excision – an effect likely related to MMS’s margin‑controlled, histology‑directed approach and its tissue‑sparing advantage in anatomically sensitive sites. Important caveats include small, often retrospective cohorts, variable follow‑up, and potential publication bias; data remain limited for very rare genital malignancies and for combination strategies.
These findings reinforce that MMS is a strong option when margin control and preservation of vulvar/vaginal function are priorities, ideally delivered within a multidisciplinary pathway; larger, prospective studies are still needed to refine indications, reconstructive planning, and long‑term outcomes.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(11):1080-1086. doi:10.36849/JDD.9167a
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