Digital Photography for Mapping Mohs Micrographic Surgery Sections

Abstract

Advantages of using digital photographs in MMS include speed of producing images, low cost of materials, greater accuracy of depicting the MMS excision defect, and ease of correlating the MMS map to the patient for subsequent stages of excision.

Preparation of Frozen Sections

“…Nicking, stapling, ink marking, wooden grids, and photographs have all been used to orient the removed specimen to the patient 6–10 . We find gentian violet ink the most reproducible and least deforming.…”

Use of Digital Photographic Maps for Mohs Micrographic Surgery

“…The artistic ability of the surgeon, patient and tumor variation, and the ability to represent tumors in complex three‐dimensional locations and to precisely reflect changes in anatomy in multistage excisions limit the accuracy of the reproduction. Instant and digital photography have been used as alternative techniques for creating maps. In 2003, only 1.3% of Mohs surgeons used digital photographic maps, and 0.6% used instant photographs .…”

Trends in the Use of Cameras and Computer Technology Among Dermatologists in New York City 2001-2002

“…Experts suggest that digital images become dermatologic surgery's record keeping 9 and practice information management standards 10 . Digital images can effectively document Mohs micrograph surgery 11 . Digital images are useful for dermatologic education 12 and documentation expense control 13 .…”