Facial microcystic adnexal carcinoma — treatment with a “jigsaw puzzle” advancement flap and immediate esthetic reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare malignant tumor of the skin that is commonly found on the face. It grows slowly and has a low mortality rate. However, for various reasons, including strong histological invasiveness, clinical inexperience and inadequate procedure design, immediate or permanent facial deformity may occur after surgical operations. CASE SUMMARY: This article describes a middle-aged female artist who was diagnosed with MAC on the left upper lip. She declined the recommended treatment plan, which included two-stage reconstruction, skin grafting, or surgery that could have resulted in obvious facial dysfunction or esthetic deformity. We accurately designed a personalized procedure involving a “jigsaw puzzle advancement flap” for the patient based on the lesion location and the estimated area of skin loss. The procedure was successful; both pathological R0 resection and immediate and long-term esthetic reconstruction effects were achieved. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that when treating facial MAC or other skin malignancies, a surgical team should have sufficient plastic surgery-related knowledge and skills. An optimal surgical plan for an individual is needed to achieve good facial esthetics and functional recovery and shorten the treatment course.