What is Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS)?
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a technique used for tumours in high-risk areas (e.g. close to the eyelid, involving the nose) and/or tumours that might have more aggressive features. The technique involves examining the specimen in “real time” whereby multiple rounds of surgical excision are employed, interspersed with examination of each specimen under the microscope. This ensures that the resulting defect is kept as small as possible and that more of the margin is examined than in conventional surgery, improving cure rates.
Mr Elledge works closely with a number of colleagues who perform this surgery and provides a reconstructive service for them, repairing the defects created once the margin is clear. He has recently been invited to co-author a chapter on MMS for a leading surgical reference textbook due for publication later this year. As a TIG Fellowship-trained clinician, Mr Elledge can identify who can benefit from this technique and make the necessary arrangements to work in conjunction with Mohs ablative surgeons to ensure that patients have access to MMS when required.
