Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Genital Skin Cancer: A Review of Cases and Reconstructive Techniques

As the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases in the United States, one area of particular concern is NMSC arising on the genitalia. In the past, most genital skin tumors have been treated by conventional radical surgical approaches such as penectomy, vulvectomy, or wide local excision. In recent years, tissue sparing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been established as a safe and effective method of achieving cutaneous genital tumor clearance. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of NMSCs arising on genital skin treated with MMS, and describe some of their indications, results, and associated complications. A summary of case reports, case series, and retrospective reviews is made available to guide decision making and surgical planning for tumors of this nature. Pertinent anatomy, site-specific surgical techniques, and reconstruction options of genital skin will be discussed.