title: Mohs micrographic surgery technique.
abstract: This article provides a protocol for the systematic approach to the technique of Mohs micrographic surgery. Each step, from tumor excision and tissue mapping, to specimen processing and histologic interpretation, through wound closure and postoperative management, is covered. The advantages of Mohs surgery over other treatment modalities are observed histologic margin control, superior cure rates, and maximal tissue-sparing potential. The increased preservation of normal tissue leads to smaller surgical defects, optimal reconstructive results, and diminished risk of poor surgical outcomes. Overall, the risks of the procedure are few, the benefits numerous, and the outcomes worth the time and effort spent in learning the technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Suite A60, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. benedep@ccf.org
authors.forename: Paul X
authors.initials: PX
authors.lastname: Benedetto
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poblete-Lopez
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*