Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a procedure used to treat recurrent or difficult skin cancers by the sequential removal of thin, saucerized layers of tissue. These excised layers are sectioned on a microtome and examined microscopically, and maps are prepared to delineate areas of residual tumor as well as normal, uninvolved tissue. Due to this microscopic control, cure rates are extremely high for basal and squamous cell cancers. Because the technique spares as much normal skin as possible, the wounds produced are well suited for healing by secondary intention alone or by surgical reconstruction. A further benefit of the technique is that almost all cases can be done under local anesthesia alone and in an outpatient setting as well. This results in less morbidity and greatly reduced cost.