This retrospective cohort study compared survival outcomes of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery versus wide local excision (WLE). The analysis evaluated local recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival. Results showed comparable or superior outcomes with Mohs compared to WLE, suggesting that Mohs is a viable surgical approach for MCC, particularly for tumors where tissue conservation is important. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting Mohs as an alternative to wide excision for this aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Mohs surgery demonstrates comparable or superior local recurrence rates versus WLE for Merkel cell carcinoma.

Mohs offers the advantage of complete margin assessment with maximal tissue conservation in MCC.

MCC treatment decisions should integrate surgical approach with sentinel lymph node biopsy and consideration of adjuvant therapy.