WHAT IS MOHS SURGERY?
Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, is named for Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed it in the 1940s. This skin cancer treatment is a state-of-the-art procedure in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon.
WHAT DOES MOHS SURGERY INVOLVE?
Mohs surgery is unique in its precision. Instead of removing the entire clinically visible tumor and a large area of normal-appearing skin around it, the specialized surgeon removes a minimum amount of healthy tissue to totally remove cancer. Thin layers of tissue are systematically excised and examined under a microscope for malignant cells. When all areas of tissue are tumor-free, surgery is complete. This process should not be confused with frozen sections, which refers to random sectioning, examining only a small area of the overall specimen.
WHY IS MOHS SURGERY IMPORTANT?
Skin cancers often send out slender strands of malignant cells or “roots” into the surrounding normal tissue. This type of surgery relies on the use of a microscope to trace out and ensure the removal of the skin cancer’s roots.
WHEN IS MOHS SURGERY INDICATED?
This form of procedure is indicated for skin cancers on the face, where preserving tissue for a good cosmetic result is desired. The procedure is also preferred when the cancer is extensive and grows very quickly, or when it is difficult to determine the extent of the lesion.
Lastly, when other standard methods have been unsuccessful, Mohs surgery offers another chance for cure. This specialized, micrographic surgery has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and is the treatment of choice for locally recurrent skin cancers, offering cure rates of 95 to 97 percent. The use of any other method to treat local recurrences achieves a cure rate of only 50 to 60 percent.
WHERE IS SURGERY PERFORMED?
Our laboratory is located in our office. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The surgery can usually be completed in half a day or less.
INFORMATIVE LINKS REGARDING MOHS
A Diagnosis of Skin Cancer Can Be Frightening… Especially When It Occurs on Your Face. Know Your Options
