[Micrographic controlled surgery (3D-histology) in cutaneous melanoma]

Frederic E. Mohs was the first to apply micrographic surgery in cutaneous surgery. As a result in the English literature, micrographic surgery (3D-histology) is usually called Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Techniques of 3D-histology have been applied in various skin tumours. The method is most suitable for tumours with continuous spread. Excisions with 3D-histology can be performed with smaller initial safety margins. Thus less normal tissue is excised and often better cosmetic results can be obtained. Techniques of 3D-histology such as the Mohs technique (MMS) and the "Tuebingen Cake" technique are compared with routine histopathology. In addition, the current status of 3D-histology in cutaneous melanoma is assessed. Prospective randomized studies on 3D-histology in cutaneous melanoma are not available. Nevertheless, 3D-histology should usually be employed for lentigo maligna melanoma. In functionally and cosmetically important areas (face, hand, foot) 3D-histology may allow reduced safety margins in other histological types of cutaneous melanoma.