DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i05.031

Pages: 501-513

Background: Advanced cutaneous malignant tumors of the face represent a significant public health challenge in Morocco, particularly due to delayed diagnosis and complex management requirements. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, histological, and therapeutic characteristics of these tumors in a Moroccan population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study over a 2-year period (2021–2023) at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery of Mohammed VI University Hospital in Tanger, including 72 patients with histologically confirmed advanced cutaneous malignant tumors of the face. Results: The median age was 64 years (range: 7–90), with a male predominance (sex ratio M/F = 1.88). Sixty-one percent of patients were from urban areas. Major risk factors included sun exposure (61%), active smoking (34.7%), and pre-cancerous lesions (24%). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most frequent histological type (61%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 32%) and melanoma (4%). The most common location was the periorbital region (23%). Surgical excision with safety margins was performed in all patients, with delayed reconstruction in 65% of cases. Flaps were used in 40.3% of cases, skin grafts in 28%, and direct suture in 11%. The recurrence rate was 16.7%, and one patient died from respiratory distress postoperatively. Conclusion: Advanced facial skin cancers require multidisciplinary management with emphasis on early detection, adequate surgical margins, and appropriate reconstruction techniques. Preventive measures targeting sun exposure and smoking remain essential to reduce incidence.