Why Is Mohs Surgery Necessary?

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. Researchers estimate that 20% of Americans will get a skin cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, and the number of people getting skin cancer has increased dramatically in the last 50 years. 

If you’ve received a diagnosis of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, our board-certified dermatologists at Seacoast Dermatology may recommend Mohs surgery. 

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas tend to affect the parts of your body most exposed to the sun: your face, head, ears, hands, and feet. Have you been a sun worshipper? Most of these skin cancers are the result of too much time in the sun. 

You can even be exposed to ultraviolet rays on a cloudy day. That’s why we recommend that you wear sunscreen every day, no matter what time of year it is. 

What happens during Mohs surgery? 

Mohs surgery is the gold standard in treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. We also use it to treat some cases of melanoma.

During this surgery, we remove cancerous tissue in tiny layers starting at the center of the mass and cutting all of the visible signs of cancer away along with a sliver of cells surrounding the area. 

We look at the sample under a powerful microscope while you rest. If we discover any cancer, we repeat the procedure until all of the cancerous tissue is gone. 

Why we recommend Mohs surgery

Not all dermatologists are qualified to perform Mohs surgery; it requires advanced training. 

With another treatment option called excision surgery, we remove skin cancer and some skin surrounding the cancer. After the procedure, we send you home and the sample to a lab, then contact you with the results. But pathology doesn’t cover all of the margins around the cancer. 

With Mohs surgery, we check 100% of the skin on the bottom and sides of the tissue surrounding the area with the cancer. That’s a major difference between the two surgical approaches. In addition, Mohs surgery only removes the cancerous area and leaves healthy skin unharmed. 

Where you’re most at risk of basal or squamous cell carcinoma 

If the cancer is in an area with delicate skin, you want as much healthy skin preserved as possible. Researchers consider cancer on your nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet, or genitals high risk because it can cause deformity in a visible area and/or has a risk of spreading. 

We also recommend Mohs if the basal or squamous cell carcinoma is on other areas of your face, scalp, neck, and shins; those areas are at intermediate risk.

Early detection is important

We recommend seeing a dermatologist annually, or more often if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer, for a profession full-body, skin check.

If you’re concerned about a skin cancer diagnosis, call one of our convenient locations in Portsmouth, Exeter, or Dover, New Hampshire, or request an appointment by clicking here. We’re your partner in your skin health.