Hair Regrowth Following Partial Thickness Removal of SSCIS

Participants are being approached to participate in this study because they are undergoing surgery for a skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) on the scalp. Standard surgical techniques may remove deeper structures that contain hair follicles, which can result in permanent hair loss. This study evaluates whether a modified surgical technique, known as partial thickness excision, can preserve hair growth and improve cosmetic outcomes. Participation involves minimal risk beyond the standard risks of Mohs surgery. If patients choose to participate, their surgery will be performed using this technique, and photographs will be taken over time to evaluate hair regrowth and healing.

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Key information

Conditions

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin) Alopecia Carcinoma Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Hair Diseases Hypotrichosis Morphological and Microscopic Findings Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Skin Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Adults ≥ 18 years old
Histologically confirmed SCCIS
Lesions located in the hair-bearing scalp
Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Invasive, poorly differentiated, or high-risk SCC features (e.g., perineural invasion)
Recurrent SCC at the same site
Prior radiation therapy to the scalp
Scarring alopecia or active inflammatory scalp disease at the treatment site
Immunosuppression that, in the investigator's judgement, increases oncologic risk
Use of topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, finasteride, spironolactone, or other hair-growth promoting agents

Treatment and study plan

Partial Thickness Excision

Procedure

Participants will receive excision of their squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the scalp via partial thickness excision (removal of epidermal and superficial dermal tissue) in an effort to preserve hair follicles and hair growth potential.

Primary outcomes

Hair Growth measured clinically by hair density percentage compared to baseline photo

Time frame: 3 and 6 months post-procedure.

To evaluate hair growth following partial thickness excision of SCCIS at 3 and 6 months post-procedure.

Secondary outcomes

Clearance of SCCIS measured by Mohs surgeons' interpretation of margins on surgical slides.

Time frame: Immediately following the final Mohs stage during the index procedure

To assess clinical and histologic clearance of SCCIS treated with partial-thickness excision.
Patient Satisfaction measured via patient satisfaction questionnaire

Time frame: 3 and 6 months post-procedure

To evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with hair density and cosmetic outcome.

"Are you satisfied with amount of hair//appearance of skin/result of treatment?" etc. on scale of 1-10. 1 being not satisfied and 10 being very satisfied/.
Complications

Time frame: 2 weeks post-procedure, 3 months post-procedure, and 6 months post-procedure

To document wound-healing, complications, and the need for additional treatment.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Cooper Health System

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Hair Regrowth Following Partial Thickness Stages in Mohs Micrographic Surgery of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ: A Prospective Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2028
First posted: Sep 9, 2026
Registry last updated: Sep 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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