title: Mohs micrographic surgery and the otolaryngologist.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to provide an update and overview of the current indications for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for cutaneous and upper aerodigestive tract malignancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive review of the literature from 1971 to present was completed by using the Medline data base. In addition, interviews were obtained with several otolaryngologists who had used the technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MMS offers a superior alternative to standard excision in a variety of cutaneous malignancies. Overall, for the skin cancers likely to be encountered by the otolaryngologist, there is significant evidence that MMS offers increased rates of cure as well as tissue conservation. The role of MMS in upper aerodigestive tract malignancies continues to evolve and multiple issues must be addressed before its general application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When confronted with a difficult cutaneous malignancy, the otolaryngologist should consider MMS to optimize treatment results.
authors.affiliation: The Center for Surgical Dermatology, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Jeannine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hrabovsky
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Schuller
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Siegle
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000601:surgery; D018280:Carcinoma, Skin Appendage / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018327:Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle / Q000601:surgery; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*