Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective surgical technique for removing basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are the most common types of skin cancer. Mohs is not a new treatment for skin cancer. It is a time-tested procedure that was developed in the 1930s. Mohs is recognized as having the highest cure rate among skin cancer treatments.
How does Mohs surgery treat skin cancer?
Mohs removes layers of skin cells with a special procedure that can often be performed in your dermatologist’s office with local anesthesia. As each skin layer is removed, it is checked under a microscope. Your doctor will continue to remove layers of skin until the microscopic sample shows that the layer is free of cancer cells.
The size of a skin cancer can be deceptive. It may be larger than it appears on the surface. The Mohs micrographic technique is designed to remove cancerous cells even when they are deeply hidden under the skin. As each layer is tested, a Mohs map is used to identify the exact location of cancerous cells. Your doctor will continue to remove the roots of the cancer that extends under the surface of your skin.
This process is highly effective with a 98 percent cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
The minimal approach we take with Mohs Surgery at our Orange County dermatology offices
With Mohs surgery, only cancerous cells are removed. Using the layer by layer technique and the Mohs map, your skin cancer dermatologist can pinpoint the cancerous tissue for removal. The process is very effective in preserving healthy tissue. This reduces the size of the surgical wound. After the procedure is complete, your doctor will determine the best approach for repairing the wound. You may have stitches or a skin graft, or the wound may be left to heal naturally. Your doctor will also provide instructions on how to care for the wound properly, which will reduce scarring.
Mohs micrographic surgery is used for complex cases of basal cell and squamous cell cancers, as well as some superficial melanomas. There are several different treatments available for skin cancer. Only your dermatologist can determine if Mohs is the best treatment for your specific case.