Who is suitable for Mohs micrographic surgery?
Skin cancers may form with undefined edges and lengthy rootlike extensions that can grow deeply or laterally from the clinically visible lesion. The MMS technique allows almost 100% of the tumour margins to be microscopically examined, very much moree than traditional histological methods. Hence MMS is particularly suitable for the treatment of difficult skin cancers because it is able to identify and remove all cancer tissue including that found in finger-like extensions. This allows higher cure rates and less scarring. MMS is primarily used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but can be used to treat less common skin cancers including melanoma. It is particularly useful in the following circumstances. • Recurrent or incompletely excised BCC and SCC • Primary BCC and SCC where the edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined • BCC and SCC in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result, such as eyelids, nose, ears, lips,
