Oncologic and Non-Oncologic Cutaneous Defects: Dermatologic Criteria and Reconstructive Strategies

Oncologic and non-oncologic cutaneous defects represent a frequent challenge in clinical practice, particularly when they are located in facial regions of high aesthetic and functional relevance. Proper management of these lesions requires careful integration of dermatologic criteria that guide oncologic resection and reconstructive principles that allow restoration of anatomy and function. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cutaneous malignant neoplasm and, although it has low metastatic potential, it may generate significant defects when it involves photoexposed areas such as the cheek. This article presents a narrative review of the management of oncologic and non-oncologic cutaneous defects, emphasizing dermatologic criteria and reconstructive strategies, accompanied by a clinical case report of a 38-year-old female patient with basal cell carcinoma located in the right malar region. The patient was treated with surgical excision using adequate oncologic margins and immediate reconstruction with a Mustardé cheek rotation flap, achieving satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes with no evidence of tumor recurrence during follow-up. Through the integration of the clinical case and the literature review, epidemiologic factors, dermatologic evaluation criteria, and reconstructive principles influencing decision-making are highlighted. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of individualized planning and an interdisciplinary strategy to optimize clinical and aesthetic outcomes in the management of facial cutaneous defects.