A Novel Technique to Improve Accuracy of Mohs Mapping for Large Stages with a Small Tumor Burden.

Abstract

Precision of the Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) process during orientation, microscopic analysis, tissue mapping, and tumor clearance of specimen margins is essential for MMS to attain high cure rates; however, this elaborate process is subject to error. Large tumor stages with a small tumor burden present an avenue for error during MMS mapping. We present a novel technique to improve the accuracy of MMS mapping using an MMS slide marked for residual tumor superimposed onto a mobile device photograph of the surgical defect. This is taken to better identify location of residual tumor both on the digitalized MMS photomap and surgical defect. This novel technique decreases recurrence rates by decreasing the inevitable subjectivity involved with the superimposition of residual tumor foci from a microscopic view onto the digitalized MMS photomap then onto the surgical defect particularly in larger stages with a small tumor burden.