Skin cancer is treated with a new method at the UKC Ljubljana

The University Clinical Centre Ljubljana has introduced a groundbreaking method for treating skin cancer, marking a significant advancement in medical care within Slovenia. This new approach, known as Mohs micrographic surgery, has achieved a success rate of 99.6 percent in completely removing skin tumors. With this implementation, Slovenia has become the sixth European country to adopt this technique, which was first developed in the United States several decades ago. As of now, the clinic has already performed its 70th operation using this method, according to statements made during a press conference.

Traditionally, skin cancer surgeries involved excising the affected tissue, suturing the wound, and then sending the sample to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results would determine whether the tumor had spread beyond the margins of the excision. If it had, additional procedures were required, often leading to multiple visits for the patient and increasing the risk of cancer spreading further. However, the new method allows for immediate microscopic examination of the removed tissue during the procedure itself. This means that once all tumor cells have been identified and removed, the surgeon can close the wound immediately, significantly reducing the need for follow-up visits and minimizing the risk of cancer recurrence.

This technique is particularly beneficial for skin cancers located on transitional areas between skin and mucous membranes, where traditional methods might require more extensive removal of healthy tissue. While the duration of the surgery remains similar to conventional techniques, the entire process—from initial excision to final closure—can be completed within a few hours. In contrast, patients undergoing traditional surgery often face long waiting periods, sometimes up to six months or more, before receiving their results and subsequent treatment.

The introduction of Mohs micrographic surgery in Ljubljana began three years ago with the first six patients. Last year, the number increased to 37 operations, and today marks the 70th such procedure. According to Dr. Aleksandar L. Krunić, a specialist in dermatovenereology and Mohs surgery who previously obtained accreditation for this method in Chicago, the goal is to perform between 600 and 700 operations annually. He emphasized the importance of obtaining international accreditation for the center, which would make Ljubljana the only city in Europe with such recognition.

Currently, the clinic operates with a dedicated laboratory team and two operating rooms. Krunić also mentioned plans for future expansion, including training young doctors to ensure the continued growth of the program. The integration of an accredited laboratory directly adjacent to the surgical suite is crucial for the successful execution of this method. This setup enables rapid processing of tissue samples and allows the Mohs surgeon to work closely with pathologists to assess the tumor's location and direction of spread in real-time, ensuring precise and efficient removal.

The dermatovenereal clinic in Ljubljana stands out as one of the rare institutions worldwide that combines both the surgical suite and the accredited laboratory under one roof. This unique configuration facilitates quick turnaround times for tissue analysis and provides surgeons with direct access to pathological insights, enhancing the precision of each procedure. According to Violeta Hosta, deputy head of the histopathological laboratory, this arrangement not only expedites the diagnostic process but also gives surgeons a tactile understanding of how much tissue needs to be removed in subsequent steps, contributing to better outcomes for patients.

As the clinic continues to refine and expand its use of Mohs micrographic surgery, it aims to establish itself as a regional hub for advanced skin cancer treatment. The anticipated increase in annual operations underscores the growing demand for this highly effective method, reflecting a broader trend towards adopting innovative medical practices that prioritize patient safety and efficiency. With ongoing efforts to train new specialists and secure international accreditation, the future looks promising for the continued success and expansion of this pioneering approach in Ljubljana.