Reconstruction after skin cancer resection

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. A variety of methods may be used in the treatment of skin cancer, and surgical resection is often performed.

Guideline highlights

• In addition to the AAD, the guideline for the management of reconstruction after skin cancer resection was co-developed by representatives from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Mohs Surgery, and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

• Co-published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) and two other journals simultaneously, the guideline identifies areas of common ground and provides evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care. Recommendations related to concepts concerning the timing of reconstruction, management of anticoagulation, use of antibiotics, methods of pain control, and follow-up assessment are addressed in the guideline.

• The guideline also provides evidence-based recommendations for surgical reconstruction after resection of skin cancer once clear margins have been achieved.

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