Oncologic control and predictors of urologic reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for low-risk penile malignancy

Purpose Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a low-risk penile cancer management option.

However, contemporary patients’ short-term oncologic control and preoperative characteristics predicting reconstruction needs are undefined.

This study assesses MMS’s oncologic efficacy for low-risk penile cancer and identifies baseline predictors of post-resection reconstruction referral.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed 73 adult males with 78 penile cutaneous malignancies treated with MMS from 2005 to 2019.

Patients underwent MMS with or without surgical reconstruction.

Demographic information, MMS operative details, lesion pathology, and short-term outcomes were recorded.

Descriptive statistics for all variables were calculated, and logistic regression identified predictive factors for urologic referral for complex reconstruction.

Results Seventy-three men with 78 lesions, all staged ≤ cT1a prior to MMS, were identified.

Twenty-one men were found to have invasive SCC.

Median follow-up was 2.0 years (IQR 0.8–5.2 years).

MMS was able to clear the disease in 90.4% of cases.

One patient had disease related death following progression.

Dermatology closed primarily in 68% of patients.

Twenty percent of patients had a complication, most commonly poor wound healing.

On univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis, lesion size > 3 cm and involvement of the glans independently predicted the need for referral to a reconstructive surgeon.

Conclusions MMS for penile cancer appears to provide sound oncologic control in the properly selected patient.

Involvement of a reconstructive surgeon may be needed for glandular and large lesions, necessitating early referral to a comprehensive multidisciplinary care team.