Histologic preparation for Mohs micrographic surgery. The single section method.

Abstract

Tissue processed by Mohs micrographic surgery is usually cut into several sections before it is processed. We describe a single section method, in which the tissue is not subdivided, for preparing a tissue specimen for histologic examination in Mohs micrographic surgery. This technique saves time for both technicians, who prepare fewer specimens, and physicians, who have fewer histologic specimens to interpret. It may minimize false-positive margins and technical errors. Small specimens are handled best by this technique; however, the size of the specimen is limited only by the size of the cryostat chuck and histologic slide. The single section method is technically more difficult for preparing specimens that contain cartilage or ones that are extremely concave or convex, such as specimens from the conch of the ear.