Defect closure after successful skin cancer surgery of the nose: a report of 52 cases.

INTRODUCTION

Malignant keratinocyte tumors-that is, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-are commonly found on sun-exposed body areas such as the nose. The primary aim of tumor surgery is complete excision. Due to anatomical, functional, and aesthetic issues, reconstruction of such defects remains a challenge.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report on a series of 52 patients that were treated from 2015 to 2019 at the Goldman Clinic in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The mean age was 63 years (range 28-82 years, standard deviation 14.25 years). Thirty-nine (75%) patients were male and 13 (25%) female. The histological diagnosis was BCC in 49 patients and SCC in three.

RESULTS

Nasal defect closures were located on the nasal dorsum, tip, alar nose, and nasion. The nasal dorsal and alar region were the regions most commonly involved. All tumor specimens were 3D histologically investigated. A nasolabial flap was the reconstructive option in 40 subjects (76.9%). A bilobed flap was used in six patients (11.5%). Other flaps used for defect closure were a Rintala flap (n = 2), tunneled island flap (n = 1), and frontal flap (n = 1). Adverse events were rare and manageable. Three relapses were noted during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal reconstruction requires an armamentarium of surgical techniques to tailor the procedures based on tumor localization, size, and depth, and patients' needs.