Kh. Katz et al., Dense inflammation does not mash residual primary basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery, J AM ACAD D, 45(2), 2001, pp. 231-238
Background: Areas of dense inflammation are commonly removed during Mohs mi
crographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma because of the concern that the
y may mask areas of tumor.
Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether inflammation masks tumor du
ring Mohs surgery for primary basal cell carcinoma.
Methods: Twenty-five consecutive cases of primary basal cell carcinoma with
areas of dense inflammation encountered during Mohs surgery were sectioned
and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Ber-EP4.
Results: In no cases did the dense inflammation mask residual tumor.
Conclusion: Dense inflammation does not mask primary basal cell carcinoma d
uring Mohs surgery and should be carefully evaluated before additional surg
ery is performed.