BACKGROUND: The low recurrence rate and tissue-sparing benefit associated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) requires accurate interpretation of frozen sections by the MMS surgeon. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess concordance between dermatopathologists and MMS surgeons when reporting cutaneous malignancy in the MMS setting. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 1156 slides submitted during 10 years as part of a pre-existing randomized, blinded, quality assurance protocol. Slides were read by one of 5 dermatopathologists and represent cases from 3 MMS surgeons and 5 MMS fellows. Agreement or disagreement was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 1156 slides, 32 slides (2.8%) were disparate. Aside from differences regarding intraepidermal neoplasia, the concordance rate was 99.7%. LIMITATIONS: This study represents data collected at a single institution in the United States alone. CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant concordance between MMS surgeons and dermatopathologists in frozen section interpretation in the MMS setting. Discordance was primarily related to the interpretation of in situ malignancy.
BACKGROUND: The low recurrence rate and tissue-sparing benefit associated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) requires accurate interpretation of frozen sections by the MMS surgeon. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess concordance between dermatopathologists and MMS surgeons when reporting cutaneous malignancy in the MMS setting. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 1156 slides submitted during 10 years as part of a pre-existing randomized, blinded, quality assurance protocol. Slides were read by one of 5 dermatopathologists and represent cases from 3 MMS surgeons and 5 MMS fellows. Agreement or disagreement was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 1156 slides, 32 slides (2.8%) were disparate. Aside from differences regarding intraepidermal neoplasia, the concordance rate was 99.7%. LIMITATIONS: This study represents data collected at a single institution in the United States alone. CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant concordance between MMS surgeons and dermatopathologists in frozen section interpretation in the MMS setting. Discordance was primarily related to the interpretation of in situ malignancy.
Authors: Ross M Campbell; David Barrall; Caroline Wilkel; Leslie Robinson-Bostom; Raymond G Dufresne Journal: Dermatol Surg Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 3.398
Authors: W J Grabski; S J Salasche; M L McCollough; M E Berkland; J A Gutierrez; K Finstuen Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 1989-04 Impact factor: 11.527
Authors: Leslie J Christenson; Theresa A Borrowman; Celine M Vachon; Megha M Tollefson; Clark C Otley; Amy L Weaver; Randall K Roenigk Journal: JAMA Date: 2005-08-10 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: N W J Smeets; D I M Kuijpers; P Nelemans; J U Ostertag; M E J M Verhaegh; G A M Krekels; H A M Neumann Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 9.302