Mohs Surgery: A Precise and Effective Skin Cancer Treatment

Mohs Micrographic Surgery, often referred to simply as “Mohs surgery,” is a specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This advanced procedure offers the highest cure rate for skin cancers, while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue, making it an ideal option for cancers located in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and hands.

How Mohs Surgery Works:

During the Mohs procedure, thin layers of cancerous tissue are carefully removed and examined under a microscope to ensure that no cancer cells remain. If cancer cells are found at the margins of the tissue, additional layers are removed until the entire tumor is excised with clear margins. This step-by-step, real-time examination process ensures the most precise removal of cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Key Benefits of Mohs Surgery:

1. Highest Cure Rate: Mohs surgery boasts a cure rate of up to 99% for new skin cancers and 95% for recurrent skin cancers.
2. Minimally Invasive: The technique is highly targeted, which reduces unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. This leads to smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.
3. Real-Time Results: Tissue samples are examined immediately, providing accurate results during the procedure, which means fewer follow-up surgeries are needed.
4. Ideal for High-Risk Areas: Mohs surgery is especially beneficial for cancers in areas that are hard to treat with traditional methods, such as around the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
5. Minimized Recovery Time: Due to the precision of the procedure, the recovery time is typically faster compared to other surgical options.
6. Preservation of Healthy Skin: By preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, patients often experience better cosmetic results, with less scarring.

Ideal Candidates:

Mohs surgery is suitable for individuals with skin cancers located in areas where preserving the appearance of the skin is important or in cases of aggressive or recurrent cancers. If you’re dealing with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or any other skin cancer requiring delicate treatment, Mohs surgery could be the most effective solution.

Are you scheduled for Mohs Surgery?

• Patient Guide to Mohs Surgery
• Dr. James Dinulos 4 Steps to Prepare for Mohs Surgery