title: Retrospective Study of Punch Scoring Versus Freehand Approach for First Stage Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
abstract: Objective:The objective was to observe whether there is a difference in the number of subjects requiring more than one stage of Mohs micrographic surgery for small lesion nonmelanoma skin cancers using the punch scoring method versus freehand approach.Design:Retrospective review.Setting:Outpatient Mohs Clinic.Participants:Thirty patients with small lesion (<5mm) basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma who had Mohs micrographic surgery using either the punch scoring method (15) for scoring the first layer or the freehand method (15).Measurements:Differences between the two groups were evaluated by the number of subjects requiring more than one stage and the reason for any additional stages.Results:There was no observed difference in the number of subjects requiring more than one Mohs stage between the punch scoring group and the freehand group.Conclusion:Dermatologic surgeons can use the punch scoring method or the freehand approach for scoring small lesion Mohs based on provider preference.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Nikoo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cheraghi
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Abdulhadi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jfri
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bacigalupi
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Hooman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khorasani