Medial Canthus Tumor Surgery: A Prospective Study of Microscopically Controlled Excision

Abstract

Objectives.

We set out to demonstrate that medial canthus tumors are malignancies requiring microscopically-controlled excision for a high cure rate. We also aim to show that reconstruction can have good esthetic results with a few simple techniques.

Methods.

During 1992, we treated 38 basal cell carcinomas of the medial canthus, employing our own two-step Mohs’ surgery. All cases were reconstructed with five simple techniques: “laissez faire”, full thickness graft, nasoglabellar flap, mild-line forehead flap or combination of flaps.

Results.

No recurrent basal cell carcinomas have been observed in our patients during the last four years. All the medial canthus tumours were basal cell carcinomas, eight involving morpheiform infiltration. Perineural infiltration was observed in two cases.

Conclusions.

Micrographic surgery for medial canthus malignant tumors is the best resection technique. Infiltrating, basal cell carcinomas, are the most common tumors of medial canthus, but also have an excellent cure rate. Reconstruction with a small number of flaps and skin graft is generally an easy process, producing highly satisfactory results.