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Epiluminescence microscopy (dermoscopy) versus visual inspection during Mohs microscopic surgery of infiltrative
1Advanced Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University, Lady Lake, Florida, USA. gurgen@nova.edu
Background:
The initial stage of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is usually outlined using visual inspection. Newer noninvasive models are available to the Mohs surgeon to determine initial margins before MMS.
Objective:
To compare the final number of MMS stages performed using dermoscopy and visual inspection of infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Methods:
Forty patients were randomized to two groups (dermoscopy, visual inspection) before MMS for infiltrative BCC. The final number of stages performed was recorded for each group.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in the final number of stages when using dermoscopy and visual inspection.
Limitations:
Small sample sizes, comparison of different regions on the head and neck, and a single Mohs surgeon were the limiting factors in this study.
Conclusions:
There was no difference in the final number of stages between dermoscopy and visual inspection to determine the margins of previously biopsied infiltrative BCC.
