A Comparison of Skin Grafts Versus Local Flaps for Facial Skin Cancer From the Patient Perspective: A Feasibility Study

A Comparison of Skin Grafts Versus Local Flaps for Facial Skin Cancer From the Patient Perspective: A Feasibility Study

A prospective single-centered feasibility study will be conducted. The purpose of the feasibility study is to define the variables to be included in a subsequent pilot study, assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective cohort study, and the logistics for the study (i.e., training, patient recruitment, data collection, statistical analysis, etc.).

A prospective single-centered feasibility study will be conducted. The purpose of the feasibility study is to define the variables to be included in a subsequent pilot study, assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective cohort study, and the logistics for the study (i.e., training, patient recruitment, data collection, statistical analysis, etc.).

Upon completion of the feasibility study, a prospective pilot cohort study would be performed to measure outcomes using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer module for patients receiving skin grafting or local flaps after excision of facial skin cancers.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients will be included in the study if:

• they are 18 years or older
• presenting for treatment of a suspected non-melanoma facial skin cancer, including pre-malignant cancers (i.e., actinic keratosis),
• and scheduled to undergo reconstruction with either a skin graft or local tissue flap.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients will be excluded in the study if they:

• present with altered level of consciousness,
• cannot provide consent,
• have facial nerve injury/previous facial nerve injury, have Melanoma skin cancer or Merkel cell carcinoma based on pathology reports, have polytrauma/multiple injuries, are pregnant, are undergoing free flap reconstruction, have bone involvement, or if they are under the age of 18.