Clarification on Case Eligibility for Operative Standard 5.5

Recently, the ACS Cancer Surgery Standards Program (CSSP) has seen an increase in questions regarding the scope of Standard 5.5: Wide Local Excision for Cutaneous Melanoma.

After review, the CSSP has several clarifications regarding Standard 5.5:

• Standard 5.5 only applies to the first wide local excision performed with curative intent after diagnostic excisional biopsy
• Repeat wide local excisions being performed for involved/close margins are outside the scope of Standard 5.5
• Standard 5.5 does not apply to Mohs technique as Mohs is not a wide local excision

Please note, the scope of Standard 5.5 has not changed. These statements are intended for clarification purposes to assist sites and site reviewers in identification of eligible cases.

Questions can be directed to CSSP@facs.org.