Mohs Micrographic Cancer Surgery

At Skin Care Doctors, our medical professionals have expertise in performing Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, which offers the highest recovery potential, even if the skin cancer has been previously treated.

Cutting-Edge Skin Cancer Treatment

Mohs surgery is a cutting-edge skin cancer treatment in which the physician serves as the surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. The Mohs technique relies on the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure the removal of skin cancer down to the root. Dermatologists trained in Mohs surgery can see beyond the visible disease and precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed.

Woman smiling while leaning against a wall

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the technique in the 1930s, Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique commonly used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinoma, two of the most common types of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is unique in that it allows the surgeon to remove the cancerous tissue layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope as it is removed. This technique removes all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery is often recommended for skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial, such as the face, ears, and hands.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized technique used to treat skin cancer. This procedure offers several benefits that make it a preferred treatment option over other methods. Some of the benefits of Mohs surgery include the following.

High Cure Rate

Mohs surgery has a high success rate in treating skin cancer. The cure rate for Mohs surgery is reported to be as high as 99 percent for certain types of skin cancer.

Preservation of Healthy Tissue

This technique preserves the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous area, which is particularly important when the cancer is located in sensitive areas such as the face or hands.

Accuracy

Mohs surgery is a highly accurate technique that ensures the complete removal of the cancerous tissue. It is particularly effective in treating skin cancers that have irregular shapes or have recurred after previous treatments.

Minimal Scarring

This technique results in minimal scarring, which is particularly important when the cancer is located in visible areas of the body. The procedure is also less invasive than other surgical techniques, which means that the recovery time is shorter.

Mohs Surgical Procedure

The surgeon starts by administering local anesthesia to the skin area where the cancer is located. Once numb, the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the visible part of the tumor.

The surgeon then removes a thin layer of skin from the area around the tumor and examines it under a microscope to check if any cancer cells are present. If cancer cells are found, the surgeon removes another layer of skin from the same area and repeats the process until no cancer cells are found. This process is repeated until the entire tumor is removed. The procedure can take several hours or even a whole day, depending on the size and location of the cancer.

Recovery and Aftercare

After surgery, patients typically can go home the same day. However, someone else will need to drive you home, as the anesthesia and pain medications can impair your ability to drive safely. You may experience some swelling, discomfort, and bruising around the surgical site. Pain medications and ice packs can help you manage these symptoms. To prevent bleeding and swelling, you must avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first few days after surgery.

Patients must keep the surgical site clean and dry. Your surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions for the wound, including when to change the dressings. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to prevent infection and promote healing. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week or two after surgery. However, it may take several weeks or even months for the surgical site to heal fully and for any scarring to fade.

Why Choose Skin Care Doctors?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for skin cancer. With a cure rate the highest of all treatments for skin cancer, even if other forms of treatment have failed, this procedure, the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of regrowth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement. If you have a skin cancer diagnosis, our medical providers at Skin Care Doctors are trained experts in this advanced technique and can determine whether Mohs surgery is the right treatment option for you.