A Primer of Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Common Indications

Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective technique for the removal of some skin cancers. The technique is founded on the idea of excision with minimal margins (sparing normal tissue) and immediate histologic examination of horizontal frozen sections of the specimen while the patient waits. By doing this, a Mohs surgeon is able to examine the margins. If residual tumor is present, subsequent excisions are performed until it is completely removed. In cases of aggressive tumors, recurrent tumors, or in which the lesions are present in high-risk anatomic locations (H-zone of the face) or functionally important areas (e.g., digits, genitals), the preferred treatment is Mohs micrographic surgery.

Skin Cancer and the Solid Organ Transplant Recipient

“…In transplant recipients, cSCC develops 10-30 years earlier than in immunocompetent hosts [10]. For comprehensive details on the clinical and histologic parameters associated with MCC, cSCC, and BCC, the reader is referred to excellent article reviews [10,[17][18][19][20]. In the present review, we describe options that are commonly used in our cutaneous oncology practice.…”

“…• Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS): the Mohs technique is often used in high-risk tumors which includes high-risk anatomic sites (e.g., eyelid, ear, lip, nose) or high-risk tumors (aggressive histologic features, recurrent, or incompletely excised tumors) [18]. • Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C): this modality has been well described for BCC on the trunk.…”

Mohs micrographic surgery for cutaneous malignancies: A focus review of its indications in pediatric age groups

“…Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the standard tissue conservative skin cancer removal treatment . It is a surgical technique used to treat high‐risk skin cancers with maximal preservation of normal tissue surrounding the tumor .…”

“…It is a surgical technique used to treat high‐risk skin cancers with maximal preservation of normal tissue surrounding the tumor . Unlike other therapies, including electrodesiccation and curettage, radiation, systemic chemotherapy, topical therapies, cryotherapy, and surgical excision, physicians can examine tumor margins precisely in real time . MMS is better than other techniques in cure rates and skin preservation .…”

“…Unlike other therapies, including electrodesiccation and curettage, radiation, systemic chemotherapy, topical therapies, cryotherapy, and surgical excision, physicians can examine tumor margins precisely in real time . MMS is better than other techniques in cure rates and skin preservation . Unlike surgical excision, in which arbitrary margins are designated, MMS allows for excision with defined margins and in stages.…”