title: Mohs micrographic surgery for the management of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
abstract: Many treatment modalities have been described to address the growing epidemic of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a surgical technique that allows complete and precise microscopic margin analysis by using horizontal frozen sections. The purpose of MMS is twofold: to ensure definitive excision and to minimize loss of normal surrounding tissue. MMS offers the advantages of superior cure rates and, because tissue removal is minimized, excellent cosmetic outcomes. Therefore, MMS has become the treatment of choice for many high-risk tumors. Because this technique is labor intensive, MMS is not indicated in certain situations. Understanding the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of MMS remains paramount for facial plastic surgeons managing NMSC.
authors.affiliation: St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cumberland
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dana
authors.forename: Nanette
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Liegeois
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome