Mohs micrographic surgery for melanoma: A convincing treatment modality

Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the gold standard for treating keratinocyte carcinomas in specific locations or due to other tumor-specific factors, given its comprehensive margin assessment, tissue sparing, and high cure rate. The use of MMS for treating invasive melanoma with intraoperative immunostains is still a subject of debate. Herein, a literature review supports the following recommendations. In cosmetically or functionally demanding sites such as head, neck, hands, feet, and pretibial leg, we recommend MMS for MMIS and all thin melanomas measuring <0.8 mm Breslow depth. Additionally, on the head and neck, all superficial spreading and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) histologic subtypes <0.8 mm Breslow depth should be treated with MMS. We recommend using melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) immunostain intraoperatively given its high sensitivity. However, microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and Sry-related HMG-Box gene 10 (SOX10) are useful adjuncts for difficult cases.

Keywords

• melanocyte
• melanoma
• mohs micrographic surgery
• tumor progression