Excision
Histological assessment of excised tissue with breadloaf sectioning assesses only 0.2% of margins.
With Mohs surgery utilizes en-face sections of the entire outer surface of excised tissue allowing close to 100% assessment of the deep and peripheral margins.
The tissue removed is examined under a microscope to confirm the type of lesion and to grade malignant tumors.
This examination also determines if all of the lesion has been removed without leaving any behind.
The results of a WLE will determine any future treatments if needed.
A wide local excision of the breast aims to remove benign and malignant lesions while conserving the normal shape of the breast as much as possible.
A WLE can only be used for lesions up to 4 cm in diameter, as removal of any larger lesions could leave a visibly dented area in the breast.