Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs or Mohs surgery) involves removing the tumor in stages or layers. Each layer is mapped and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. The procedure is repeated until no more cancer cells are seen. While Mohs surgery can take hours, the result is the preservation of as much healthy skin as possible and a hidden scar. Mohs surgery requires specialized training. It is recommended when wide local excision can cause disfiguration, when tumors are on certain locations such as, the face, eyes, lips, nose and genitals, and when it is difficult to determine the extent of the cancer.

The Procedure
During the Mohs surgery, patients are awake and alert as it is performed under local anesthesia. It is performed safely and comfortably in our medical office. On the day of surgery, each patient is prepped for the procedure after an in-depth discussion of what the day will entail including wound care instructions and post-operative considerations.

Prior to the surgery, an anesthetic is injected to minimize pain during the procedure. The skin cancer is surgically removed via an intricate technique to provide tissue sparing while removing the visible tumor. While the surgical layer is being processed in the lab, a bandage is placed over the area during the waiting process. The Mohs surgeon looks at the removed skin cancer under the microscope, and if there are any remaining cancer cells, another layer of skin is prepped for removal. This process is repeated until there are no remaining cancer cells visualized.

Once the skin cancer is cured, the Mohs surgeon will repair the open area taking into consideration what will provide the best cosmetic outcome. The great team providing care during the procedure will ensure that all the wound care instructions are discussed in detail with scheduled follow up care for optimal outcomes and well-being.