Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (D)

Micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology is concerned with the study, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of malignancies of the skin and adjacent mucous membranes, cutaneous appendages, hair, nails, and subcutaneous tissue.

Micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology is broadly categorized into the following areas: Cutaneous oncologic surgery-- which incorporates medical, surgical, and dermatopathological knowledge of cutaneous malignancies. An essential technique is Mohs micrographic surgical excision, which is used for certain cancers of the skin and incorporates education in clinical dermatology and dermatopathology as they apply to dermatologic surgery. Cutaneous reconstructive surgery--which includes the repair of skin and subcutaneous defects that result from the surgical removal of tumors or other skin disease, scar revision, and restoration of the skin following skin surgery to its best possible appearance. This is based upon knowledge of cutaneous anatomy, wound healing, cutaneous repair techniques, and aesthetic procedures that improve the appearance of the skin following surgery. Dermatologic oncology--which incorporates knowledge of the clinical and pathologic diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for patients with cutaneous malignancies.