Management of cutaneous tumors with mohs micrographic surgery

Since the inception of Mohs micrographic surgery in the 1930s, this technique has proved its utility in the treatment of cutaneous tumors. This review describes the technique of Mohs micrographic surgery and the various indications for which it is used. We discuss the use of Mohs micrographic surgery for the following cutaneous tumors: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma in situ, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Merkel cell carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, and sebaceous carcinoma. Mohs micrographic surgery is cost effective in the U.S. health care system because billing for the surgeon-pathologist and laboratory processing is bundled together. However, Mohs micrographic surgery may be more expensive in European systems because the Mohs technique surgeon, pathologist, and laboratory fees may be billed separately.