title: Mohs' micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma.
abstract: Mohs' surgery for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is widely recommended by dermatologists as first line surgical therapy for recurrent or ill-defined skin tumours. The technique assumes that BCC spread by contiguous growth and that all tumour cells have to be removed. Advocates claim that Mohs' surgery provides a better chance of cure, and because less uninvolved tissue is excised the smaller defect can be readily closed resulting in a superior cosmetic result. This review examines the evidence for these claims.
authors.affiliation: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lawrence
mesh_terms: D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome