Modified Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Lentigo Maligna Treatment: A Series of Six Cases.

Abstract

The surgical approach to lentigo maligna is a challenge to dermatologists, given its clinical and histopathological particularities. Staged excision with paraffin-embedded, permanent sections for histopathological evaluation of surgical margins is an effective treatment of lentigo maligna because it enables complete excision of the tumor, at the same time preserving maximum amount of healthy tissue. We report a case series of 6 patients diagnosed with lentigo maligna who underwent this procedure in our Institution and we describe the procedure we used. Complete excision of the tumors was achieved with one to three levels, with margins of excision ranging from 2 to 8 mm. There were no local recurrences at the median follow-up of 16 months, obtaining 100% cure rate with this technique. These are comparable with the margins and number of levels of excision described in previous case series reported in the literature. The technique described herein for the treatment of lentigo maligna provides excellent cure rates for this type of cutaneous malignancy notorious for its challenging management.