Patientsʼ Body Image Improves After Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Nonmelanoma Head and Neck Skin Cancer

BACKGROUNDMost skin cancers occur on the head and neck, areas of the body that are significant to an individualʼs body image (BI) perception. Poor BI is a robust risk factor for depression and decreased quality of life. Thus, patients with nonmelanoma head and neck skin cancer (NMHNSC) may be more vulnerable to BI disturbance and the negative sequelae of poor BI. OBJECTIVEDescribe the nature of BI concerns in patients diagnosed with NMHNSC and assess how BI changes with treatment. METHODS AND MATERIALSPatients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for NMHNSC completed assessments of BI and well-being before (N = 239) and 6 months after (N = 80) treatment with MMS. Demographic and tumor data were gathered through retrospective chart review. RESULTSBody image improved significantly 6 months after MMS, and the magnitude of this change was large (η = 0.18). Repair length (length of final scar irrespective of repair type) >4 cm predicted poorer BI at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONPatientsʼ BI improves after treatment with MMS for NMHNSC.