Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced treatment procedure used to treat skin cancer with the highest potential for recovery—up to 99%, even if other forms of treatment have failed. This advanced technique is the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of regrowth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.
In Mohs surgery, the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive expert and uses a microscope to trace and remove skin cancer down to its roots. This technique allows for complete tumor removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The Mohs Surgeon
A Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist with specialized training in dermatologic surgery and pathology. These experts are uniquely able to accurately identify and remove cancerous tissue under a microscope, precisely remove only affected areas, and preserve surrounding healthy tissue to minimize the cosmetic impact of the surgery.
When is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs micrographic surgery is primarily used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas but can be used to treat less common tumors including melanoma. Mohs surgery may be recommended when:
- The skin cancer has returned after previous treatment
- Scar tissue is present at the site of the cancer
- The cancer is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result (e.g., eyelids, nose, ears, lips)
- The cancer is large
- The edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined
- The cancer has grown rapidly or uncontrollably
About the Mohs Procedure
The Mohs process includes a precise sequence of tumor removal and tissue analysis. Mohs surgeons examine the removed tissue for evidence of extended cancer roots. Once the visible tumor is removed, they then trace the paths of the tumor using a map of the surgical site and
a microscope.
- Once the obvious tumor is removed, the Mohs surgeon:
- Removes an additional, thin layer of tissue from the tumor site
- Creates a "map" of the removed tissue to track the precise location of any remaining cancer cells
- Examines the removed tissue under a microscope to check for evidence of remaining cancer cells
- Repeats the process layer-by-layer until no cancer cells are detected
This layer-by-layer approach allows the surgeon to ensure complete removal of the cancer, preserve healthy tissue, minimize scarring, and improve healing.
In the News
Naomi Lawrence, MD, Dermatologic Surgeon, explains the effectiveness of Mohs surgery: cbsnews.com, January 5, 2023
Schedule an Appointment
For an appointment with a surgeon who is an expert in Mohs micrographic surgery, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).