Mohs Micrographic Surgery for skin cancer
1Department of Dermatology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers high cure rates for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This precise surgical technique maximizes tissue conservation and is increasingly utilized in Australasia.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), has a high and increasing incidence in Australasia.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is an advanced surgical technique for skin cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the efficacy and expanding role of Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Australasia.
- To detail the methodology and benefits of the Mohs Micrographic Surgery technique.
Main Methods:
- The Mohs fresh tissue technique involves immediate horizontal frozen sectioning of excised tissue margins.
- Microscopic examination, mapping, and repeat excisions are performed until all tumor margins are clear.
- This process ensures maximal conservation of healthy tissue and facilitates confident surgical defect repair.
Main Results:
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery demonstrates superior cure rates: 99% for primary BCC, 94.4% for recurrent BCC, and over 94% for SCC.
- The technique allows for precise removal of cancerous tissue while preserving surrounding healthy structures.
Conclusions:
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer with excellent cure rates.
- Its increasing availability, widening indications, and growing research in Australasia suggest an expanding role in managing the region's high skin cancer burden.
