Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a technique to remove skin cancers from areas that are cosmetically important. It is a specialized, highly effective technique developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s for the selective removal of skin cancer. This technique differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it allows for complete removal of skin cancer including its “roots” with the aid of a microscope while preserving as much of the normal surrounding tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dermatologic surgeon will remove only the cancerous tissue and also verify that all the cancer cells are removed by inspecting the tissue under the microscope during the actual surgery. Your Mohs surgeon is specifically trained to examine the tissue under the microscope and ensure all cells are cleared at the margins. Layers are removed one at a time and inspected to ensure that only cancerous tissue is removed and the smallest possible excision is created but the highest cure rate is achieved. It typically takes 1 to 3 rounds to ensure all of the cancer is removed. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery if your skin cancer:

• Is on your face, scalp, hands, feet, genitalia, or another area where it’s essential to preserve healthy tissue.
• Has grown quickly or uncontrollably.
• Has come back after being previously treated.
• Features undefinable borders or edges.
• Is found in scar tissue.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

You can expect to feel tired after Mohs surgery. We’ll recommend that you take it easy and refrain from any vigorous activities. You should keep the bandage placed on the surgical site for 24 to 48 hours and wait until instructed to remove it. 

We’ll encourage you to take antibiotics to help prevent infection.

Skin Cancer Removal Without Surgery.

Our comprehensive approach also involves treating skin cancer non-surgically. We are creative in our protocols that treat non-medical skin cancer with chemotherapy creams and Photodynamic therapy laser treatment. Sometimes surgery is not your choice and we can work around your fears and apprehension to eradicate your skin cancer with innovative therapies.