Modern Chemosurgery—Microscopically Controlled Excision

Chemosurgery is no longer the slow, painful, last-resort technique for skin cancer. With recent modifications the chemosurgery method, now called microscopically controlled excision (MCE), retains the careful microscopic tracing of even the smallest tumor strands but avoids the morbidity of zinc chloride paste. So far, the cure rate for microscopically controlled excision of difficult, recurrent or large basal cell carcinomas is comparable with that obtained by the classic procedure. This modification is more adaptable to current concerns for cosmesis, cross-specialty usage and early treatment for lesions known to have poor cure rates by standard modalities.