Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical technique that involves serial excision of locally invasive, recurrent, or ill-defined skin cancers with complete histological examination of surgical margins. Originally developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, it began as in situ tissue fixation with zinc chloride and healing by secondary intention and has evolved to fresh tissue surgical excision with subsequent reconstruction. Despite continuous advancements made in the field, the underlying principle of Mohs surgery remains the same: one surgeon acting as a pathologist to ensure complete tumor removal while minimizing the resection of healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treatment of various cutaneous tumors and can be performed on an outpatient basis within a single day. The tumor is excised, mapped, and processed with frozen, horizontal sections for immediate histological evaluation and subsequent surgical staging in the location of a positive margin. This article serves as a review of Mohs surgery for dermatology nurses and offers an overview of the history of the procedure, clinical indications, preoperative assessments, surgical technique, reconstructive modalities, and postoperative care.