Mohs micrographic surgery for penile tumors.

The advantages of the total microscopic control of excision that is provided by Mohs micrographic surgery often justify consideration of this modality in neoplasms of the penis. The excision in successive layers with complete microscopic scanning of the entire underside of each horizontally cut layer assures eradication of the silent outgrowths that often extend well beyond the clinically visible and palpable borders of the cancer. With elimination of all ramifications, the excisions are abruptly stopped, and removal of a substantial surgical margin of normal tissue is obviated. Other advantages are the absence of need for general anesthesia and the fact that most patients remain ambulatory.