Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery was pioneered by Dr. Frederic Mohs in 1937. It is a meticulous and precise surgical procedure for skin cancer performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. The surgeon removes the tumor and a very small area surrounding as a thin disc/cylinder of skin. The tissue is inked, thinly sliced, stained, and processed in an on-site lab while the patient waits for the results. The surgeon is trained to act as the pathologist and immediately evaluates the entire margin of tissue under the microscope. If cancer is still present, the surgeon can map out exactly the area of residual tumor, and only the involved skin. These steps are repeated in cycles (stages) until the tumor is completely removed. On average, Mohs surgery requires 2-5 stages. This procedure results in an accurate and complete removal of the skin cancer with the smallest possible skin tissue defect. The surgeon subsequently reviews the reconstructive options with the patient to obtain the best healing result.

Mohs micrographic surgery is the treatment of choice for many skin cancers, especially those located in areas where it is vital to spare as much normal skin and tissue as possible. This procedure offers the highest cure rate of any treatment for primary (untreated) non-melanoma skin cancer for up to 99 percent for basal cell carcinoma and 97 percent for squamous cell carcinoma. While Mohs surgery offers the best possible chance for a cure, it is not a 100 percent guaranteed cure.