Mohs Surgery


Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment procedure for skin cancer available today. Initially developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, the Mohs procedure is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been continuously refined over 70 years, and is performed by dermatologists who are trained in the specialized technique.

With the Mohs technique, physicians are able to see beyond the visible disease, to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, layer by layer, while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed. As the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, Mohs minimizes the chance of cancerous re-growth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.

Because the dermatologist is specially trained in surgery, pathology, and reconstruction, Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer - up to 99 percent. The Mohs technique is also the treatment of choice for cancers of the face and other sensitive areas because the accuracy of the microscopic surgical procedure allows surgeons to trace the edge of the cancer and ensure complete removal of all tumors down to the roots during the initial surgery.

When do I need Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

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 is appropriate when:

  • The cancer is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result, such as the eyelids, nose, ears, lips, fingers, toes, or genitals;
  • The cancer was treated previously and recurred;
  • Scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer;
  • The cancer is large;
  • The edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined;
  • The cancer is growing rapidly or uncontrollably.
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