Mohs skin cancer surgery is a specialized procedure that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. With the highest cure rates and minimal scarring, it’s considered the most effective treatment for complex or high-risk skin cancers.
When it comes to treating skin cancer, precision matters. To learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery and whether it’s right for your diagnosis, contact Advanced Dermatology, P.C., or continue reading below.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized, tissue-sparing technique for removing certain types of skin cancer with precision and accuracy.
Originally developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in 1991, this method allows for the complete excision of cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Mohs surgery is widely recognized as the most effective skin cancer treatment for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other high-risk skin cancers.
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas, especially in areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical, such as the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, fingers, and scalp. It’s also ideal for large, recurrent, or poorly defined tumors.
Mohs surgery offers unmatched precision and effectiveness in treating skin cancer. By combining surgical expertise with immediate microscopic examination, this technique ensures that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery offers a cure rate of up to 99% for primary skin cancers and up to 95% for recurrent cases, making it the most effective treatment available for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Only tissue with confirmed cancer cells is removed during Mohs surgery, which helps preserve surrounding healthy skin. This tissue-sparing approach results in smaller wounds and improves the likelihood of a favorable cosmetic outcome, especially important for skin cancer on the face and other visible areas.
The entire procedure is typically completed in a single visit. Each layer of tissue is examined immediately on-site in a specialized lab, eliminating the need for patients to return for additional surgery or wait days for lab results.
Mohs surgery involves detailed microscopic mapping of the tumor margins, which allows dermatologists to identify and remove all cancerous cells with precision.
This thorough process greatly decreases the chance of leaving behind hidden cancer cells, leading to better long-term results.
Mohs surgery is not necessary for every skin cancer diagnosis. It is generally recommended for tumors that are aggressive, recurrent, located in high-risk areas, or have poorly defined borders.
Tumors that have returned after previous treatment or show signs of rapid growth may require Mohs surgery to ensure complete removal and minimize the chance of recurrence.
Mohs is the preferred approach for skin cancers near the eyes, nose, lips, ears, or hands, where both appearance and functionality are critical.
Some skin cancers grow in unpredictable patterns or lack clear edges. Mohs surgery enables the accurate mapping and complete removal of these irregularly shaped tumors.
When tissue preservation is a priority, such as in pediatric cases, patients with limited mobility, or areas requiring maximum skin conservation, Mohs offers a precise and conservative option.
Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
The procedure begins with the dermatologist removing a thin layer of cancerous tissue. That layer is then processed and examined in an on-site lab to determine whether any cancer cells remain.
This process repeats in small stages until no cancer is detected.
Between each stage, patients relax comfortably while the tissue is evaluated. Most procedures are completed in a few hours with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Unlike traditional excision, which examines only a small sample of the tissue margin, Mohs surgery provides complete microscopic control of the entire surgical margin. This allows for more precise cancer removal and improved cosmetic outcomes.
Here’s how Mohs compares to other treatment methods:
At Advanced Dermatology, P.C., all Mohs surgeries are performed by our team of board-certified dermatologists with advanced fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery.
Our team includes experienced Mohs surgeons, certified Mohs technicians, and trained surgical assistants. Every procedure is supported by a CLIA-certified, on-site laboratory, ensuring rapid and accurate results.
Advanced Dermatology, P.C. accepts most major insurance plans for Mohs surgery, including Medicare, PPOs, HMOs, and IPAs.
Our administrative staff is available to verify your benefits and address any questions you may have before your treatment.
After surgery, most patients heal quickly and resume normal activities within a few days.
Follow-up visits are essential for monitoring the surgical site and checking for any new skin cancers. Individuals who have had one skin cancer are more likely to develop another, so routine skin checks and sun protection are essential for prevention.
If you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or another high-risk skin cancer, Mohs surgery may offer the best chance for a full recovery with minimal cosmetic impact.
Our team will help you determine if this highly effective dermatological service is the right fit for your needs. Book a consultation to learn more today.
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