Abstract
Frederic E. MohsFrederic E. Mohs, the pioneer of Mohs micrographic surgeryMohs micrographic surgery (MMS), initiated its development in the 1930s during medical school. He innovatively applied zinc chlorideZinc chloride to “fix” tumors, enabling their microscopic analysis of histological architecture. In 1936, he translated this insight into surgical practice, commencing cutaneousCutaneous tumor treatmentTreatment in humans and laying the groundwork for chemosurgeryChemosurgery, an antecedent to modern MMS. In 1941, MohsMohs documented outcomes from 440 of his patients undergoing fixed-tissue chemosurgeryChemosurgery in the Archives of Surgery. He continued to share his findings, reporting through various avenues including the American Academy of Dermatology in Chicago in 1946 and the Archives of Dermatology in 1947. In 1953, he produced video demonstrations of chemosurgeryChemosurgery, forgoing zinc chlorideZinc chloride fixation for expedited use of fresh frozen tissueFresh frozen tissue, a pivotal moment in laying the foundation for and shaping present-day MMS. In 1983, the first 1-year fellowship program was formally approved by the American College of Mohs Micrographic SurgeryMohs micrographic surgery and CutaneousCutaneous Oncology (ACMMSCO). Over fourteen years, ACMMSCO endorsed 60+ 1–2-year training programs and accredited fellowships surfaced in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Globally, MMS practice is on the rise, with a dedicated section in this book to chronicle its expansion.