Abstract
BACKGROUND
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the most reliable tissue-sparing technique in the management of cutaneous malignancies. Although the concept is simple, there is considerable variability in the mapping and processing techniques used by Mohs surgeons and histotechnicians.
OBJECTIVE
This review article aims to examine the frozen-section tissue processing techniques. Existing variations will be discussed and pearls offered to optimize the frozen processing technique.
METHODS
A PubMed search was performed for publications on methods of tissue processing in MMS.
RESULTS
Our review highlights variations in debulking, embedding, processing adipose tissue, cartilage, and wedge resections. We offer pearls on how to avoid false-positive and false-negative margins and discuss advances in immunohistochemistry.
CONCLUSION
Our article provides a how-to format on the different stages of tissue processing with pearls and techniques to optimize practice and improve accuracy.
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