Alopecia, Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin)
Conditions
Keywords
mohs micrographic surgery, partial thickness excision
Brief summary
Participants are being approached to participate in this study because they are undergoing surgery for a skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) on the scalp. Standard surgical techniques may remove deeper structures that contain hair follicles, which can result in permanent hair loss. This study evaluates whether a modified surgical technique, known as partial thickness excision, can preserve hair growth and improve cosmetic outcomes. Participation involves minimal risk beyond the standard risks of Mohs surgery. If patients choose to participate, their surgery will be performed using this technique, and photographs will be taken over time to evaluate hair regrowth and healing.
Interventions
PROCEDUREPartial Thickness Excision
Participants will receive excision of their squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the scalp via partial thickness excision (removal of epidermal and superficial dermal tissue) in an effort to preserve hair follicles and hair growth potential.
Sponsors
The Cooper Health System
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults ≥ 18 years old * Histologically confirmed SCCIS * Lesions located in the hair-bearing scalp * Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Invasive, poorly differentiated, or high-risk SCC features (e.g., perineural invasion) * Recurrent SCC at the same site * Prior radiation therapy to the scalp * Scarring alopecia or active inflammatory scalp disease at the treatment site * Immunosuppression that, in the investigator's judgement, increases oncologic risk * Use of topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, finasteride, spironolactone, or other hair-growth promoting agents
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Growth measured clinically by hair density percentage compared to baseline photo | 3 and 6 months post-procedure. | To evaluate hair growth following partial thickness excision of SCCIS at 3 and 6 months post-procedure. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance of SCCIS measured by Mohs surgeons' interpretation of margins on surgical slides. | Immediately following the final Mohs stage during the index procedure | To assess clinical and histologic clearance of SCCIS treated with partial-thickness excision. |
| Patient Satisfaction measured via patient satisfaction questionnaire | 3 and 6 months post-procedure | To evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with hair density and cosmetic outcome. "Are you satisfied with amount of hair//appearance of skin/result of treatment?" etc. on scale of 1-10. 1 being not satisfied and 10 being very satisfied/. |
| Complications | 2 weeks post-procedure, 3 months post-procedure, and 6 months post-procedure | To document wound-healing, complications, and the need for additional treatment. |
Outcome results
None listed