The Use of Dermoscopy in the Delineation of Basal Cell Carcinoma for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: a Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Several studies investigated the use of dermoscopy in the delineation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with conflicting results. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of dermoscopy-guided MMS in the treatment of BCC. METHODS: We included all comparative studies. Cases of BCC treated using dermoscopy-guided MMS (or slow MMS) were compared to those treated with curettage-guided MMS or “standard” MMS. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies including 508 BCCs were reviewed. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of total margin clearance on the first MMS stage between BCCs removed using dermoscopy-guided MMS and those that had curettage or visual inspection. However, lateral margin involvement was significantly lower in BCCs that had dermoscopy-guided MMS. CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy allows visualization of structures up to 1mm into the dermis. Therefore, it is rational to use it for lateral margin evaluation. Currently, there are two comparative studies showing the efficacy of dermoscopy for lateral margin evaluation during MMS. Future studies are required to develop an evidence-based recommendation regarding the utility of dermoscopy in MMS.