MOHs

Question 1

Shave biopsy

Answer 1

simple, no suture, skim raised lesion off at the epidermis and superficial dermis but does not penetrate the adipose layer, using a scalpel

Not used for pigmented lesions which could be melanoma

Question 2

Punch Biopsy

Answer 2

Used for diagnostics on small lesions, may require suture, and reches the subcutaneous fat layer

Frequently used for alopecia biopsies

Question 3

Excision Biopsy

Answer 3

Used for subcutaneous, deep, or large lesions

Suture to close, best for melanomas where it is essential to remove the entire deep tumor

Question 4

How are MOHs specimens handled differently than skin biopsies sent to surgical pathology

Answer 4

MOHS looks at the margins to ensure complete lesion removal after a diagnosis has been rendered, not the center of the tissue which is emphasized in surgical for diagnosing a sketchy growth

Also MOHS tissue is discarded after removal, while pathology has to keep permanent paraffin specimens on file for 7 years

Question 5

What are the advantages of MOHs?

Answer 5

99% of the time all of the cancer is removed in a single visit

All margins are clear before the patient leaves

Reconstruction of any damaged tissue or cosmetics is done at the same time as the removal resulting in better outcomes

Question 6

What are the advantages of MOHs?

Answer 6

99% of the time all of the cancer is removed in a single visit

All margins are clear before teh patient leaves

Reconstruction of any damaged tissue or cosmetics is done at the same time as the removal resulting in better outcomes

Highest cure rate

Minimizes removal of normal tissue taht occurs with some aggresive surgical techniques