Innovative 19-Minute Rapid Cytokeratin Immunostaining of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Abstract

The 19-minute CK immunohistochemistry protocol in frozen tissue appears to be as effective at labeling tumor cells of SCC and BCC as methods requiring permanent sections. It is hopeful that this technique may prevent recurrences after MMS and limit the number of Mohs layers required to obtain free margins when inflammation is abundant. It also is effective in uncovering subtle perineural invasion.