Dense inflammation does not mask residual primary basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery.
BACKGROUND
Areas of dense inflammation are commonly removed during Mohs micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma because of the concern that they may mask areas of tumor.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine whether inflammation masks tumor during Mohs surgery for primary basal cell carcinoma.


METHODS
Twenty-five consecutive cases of primary basal cell carcinoma with areas of dense inflammation encountered during Mohs surgery were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Ber-EP4.


RESULTS
In no cases did the dense inflammation mask residual tumor.


CONCLUSIONS
Dense inflammation does not mask primary basal cell carcinoma during Mohs surgery and should be carefully evaluated before additional surgery is performed.
Katz
K H
KH
Section of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA.
Helm
K F
KF
Billingsley
E M
EM
Maloney
M E
ME
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D006416:Hematoxylin; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007249:Inflammation; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D006416:Hematoxylin; C115012:human epithelial antigen-125; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm