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Histological-Based Stainings Using Free-Floating Tissue Sections
Published on: August 25, 2020
Advances in immunostains used in Mohs surgery
Donald R Stranahan1, Basil S Cherpelis, Neil Alan Fenske
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, School of Medicine,Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD
|August 4, 2010
Summary
Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains aid Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) by improving visualization of residual cancer cells. Recent advances may make these stains more feasible for routine use in treating skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a standard for skin cancer removal.
- Challenges exist in visualizing residual tumor cells in certain clinical situations.
- Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains can help delineate tumor cells intraoperatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in IHC stains for Mohs micrographic surgery.
- To discuss the feasibility of routine IHC stain use in select cases of skin cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on IHC stain applications in MMS.
- Discussion of advancements in IHC techniques and their integration into MMS workflow.
Main Results:
- IHC stains offer improved visualization of residual tumor cells in MMS.
- Recent innovations address previous limitations of processing time, cost, and workload.
- Advances show potential for wider adoption of IHC in MMS for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Conclusions:
- IHC stains are valuable adjuncts in MMS, especially when routine stains are equivocal.
- Ongoing advancements are making IHC stains more practical for routine use in select MMS cases.
- The integration of IHC stains can enhance the efficacy of MMS for various skin neoplasms.

