Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of melanoma

Abstract

For melanoma treatment, the primary goal is complete removal with histologically negative margins. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been extensively used and studied for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly at sites where tissue conservation is vital. The use of MMS for melanoma treatment has yet to become widely accepted owing to difficulties in histologic interpretation, among other factors. MMS may offer lower recurrence rates and improved survival when compared with historical controls for standard excision. Continued advances in MMS technique and immunohistochemical staining have allowed the technique to gain further support.