Micrographic surgery for the microscopically controlled excision of carcinoma of the external ear

Micrographic surgery is particularly valuable for treating carcinomas of the external ear because the total microscopic control of excision afforded by this method permits selective removal of the clinically unpredictable cancerous outgrowths. The maximum conservation of normal tissues, including the cartilaginous framework that gives shape to the ear, is a benefit next in importance to the unusually high 5-year cure rates (97.1% in a series of 1213 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 92.3% in a series of 871 cases of squamous cell carcinoma). The fresh-tissue technique for removing most auricular carcinomas usually permits the excision of the successive layers in 1 day, and repair, if needed, can be done immediately. The fixed-tissue technique is still used by the authors for some extensive, bone-invading carcinomas.