Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, particularly those in areas where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is important.

During Mohs surgery, the visible skin cancer is removed along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. That tissue is examined under a microscope while you wait. If cancer cells remain, another thin layer is removed only from the area where cancer is still present. This process continues until the margins are clear.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Offers a very high cure rate for many common skin cancers
Examines 100 percent of the surgical margin during the procedure
Removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible
Can help minimize the size of the surgical wound and resulting scar
Is performed using local anesthesia in an outpatient setting

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs surgery combines cancer removal and microscopic examination into a precise, step-by-step procedure.

After the visible cancer is removed, your Mohs surgeon removes a thin layer of surrounding tissue. The tissue is carefully mapped and examined under a microscope to look for remaining cancer cells.

If cancer cells are found, the map shows your surgeon exactly where additional tissue needs to be removed. Another thin layer is taken from that specific area and examined. The process is repeated until no cancer cells remain at the margins.

Once the cancer has been completely removed, your surgeon will determine the best way to repair the area. Depending on the size and location of the wound, it may be closed with stitches, allowed to heal naturally or repaired using another reconstructive technique.

STEP ONE

Your dermatology provider examines the suspicious growth and, when appropriate, performs a biopsy to determine whether skin cancer is present and what type it is.

Step 2

If the biopsy shows skin cancer, your provider will recommend the treatment best suited to the type, size, location and other characteristics of the cancer. For many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs surgery may be recommended.

Step 3

During Mohs surgery, the visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue are removed using local anesthesia.

Step 4

The tissue is mapped, processed and examined under a microscope while you wait. If cancer cells are still present at the margins, your surgeon knows precisely where additional tissue needs to be removed.

Step 5

Additional thin layers are removed only where cancer cells remain. Each layer is examined until the margins are clear.

Step 6

Once the skin cancer has been completely removed, your surgeon will determine the best way to repair the area and provide instructions for caring for the site as it heals.

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