Mohs for Melanoma: A Review of MART-1 Frozen Section Interpretation

Abstract

Background: Mohs surgery for melanoma has been performed for many decades, but advances in the use of immunohistochemistry with frozen sections during Mohs surgery have allowed for more accurate, reliable, and efficient margin assessment with improved local control of the disease.

Objective: To describe the use of MART-1 in treating melanoma with Mohs surgery and serve as a primer for the Mohs surgeon adding melanoma cases to their repertoire.

Materials and methods: Review of the literature and discussion of experience with Mohs for melanoma.

Results: Practical approach and pitfalls when assessing margins using MART-1 immunohistochemistry during Mohs surgery for the treatment of melanoma.

Conclusion: Mohs for melanoma is an expanding field-education of Mohs surgeons and increasing the practice of this technique has the potential to improve patient outcomes.