Peripheral in-continuity tissue examination.

ABSTRACT

When treating skin cancers, it is essential to remove the entire neoplasm if possible. Immediate reconstruction is most helpful in returning the patient to a useful and satisfactory life. The Mohs histologic technique can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Reconstruction can be delayed. A modification of Mohs technique, peripheral in-continuity tissue examination (PITE), is described in which the surgeon and the pathologist combine their talents to remove the tumor. All margins are evaluated, and the surgical defect is closed primarily. Larger and more complex tumors can be removed and defects immediately reconstructed using this efficient technique, obviating the inconvenience, pain, and expense of multiple, separate procedures.