Mohs micrographic surgery: a synopsis.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a method for removal of non-melanoma skin cancer in thin layers, allowing frozen-section examination of all peripheral and deep margins. Subsequent tissue layers are removed as dictated by microscopic examination, allowing for maximal sparing of normal tissue. This method offers cure rates significantly higher than excision or other modalities. Mohs micrographic surgery is the method of choice for removal of large, recurrent or incompletely excised skin cancers or for tumors located in regions of high recurrence.