Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain cancers. Mohs surgery provides the most precise method for removal of all cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. For this reason, Mohs surgery typically results in a significantly smaller surgical defect and less noticeable scarring, as compared to other methods of skin cancer treatment.

What Can THE PATIENT EXPECT DURING TREATMENT

The area to be treated is numbed and the visible portion of the tumor is surgically removed. The tissue underneath the tumor is removed and processed one layer at a time and the margins of the tumor are checked with each layer. The process is repeated while the patient waits until the cancer is removed. Each layer takes approximately an hour to process, so patients should expect to be at the clinic for at least four or five hours. During that time they are welcome to read or use a laptop.

Depending on the size of the area that was removed, the patient has several post-surgical options. A small, simple wound may be able to heal on its own or, if slightly larger, with stitches. If the wound is larger in size, a skin graft or flap may be required.

WHAT KIND OF SKIN CANCER CAN BE TREATED?

Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. It is the treatment of choice for recurring cancers, large cancers, cancers where the edges cannot be clearly defined, or in areas where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for the maximum functional and cosmetic results (such as cancer on the face).

MOHS SURGERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialized treatment for certain types of skin cancer that combines the surgical removal and immediate microscopic examination of the tumor and entire surrounding tissue margin. The technique allows for the immediate identification and removal of the entire tumor layer-by-layer until the cancer is completely eliminated.

Does Mohs Surgery leave a scar? All surgical procedures have the potential for some degree of visible scarring. The appearance of the post-Mohs procedure scar depends on various factors including the location and size of the final surgical defect, the patient’s individual skin characteristics, and available reconstruction options.