What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced surgical procedure for the treatment of skin cancers developed in the 1930s. Utilizing a microscope to trace the removal of skin cancer, Dr. Johnson can
precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Once the bulk of tumor is removed, additional thin layers of tissue are removed from the tumor site and a map of the site is created to use as a guide to facilitate the precise location of any remaining cancer cells. Dr. Johnson then microscopically examines the removed tissue thoroughly to check for evidence of residual tumor cells. If any remain, he returns to the tumor site and removes another thin layer of tissue from the specific area where cancer cells were detected. The procedure is repeated layer by layer until the cancer is completely gone. After complete removal of the tumor the resultant wound is repaired. The majority of the repairs are performed by Dr. Johnson the same day. Some patients with large wounds may be referred to other specialists for final repair. Best of all from Dr. Johnson’s standpoint, his patients are spared the stress of undue delays and repeated surgeries.

This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

For more information, please take a moment to view a brief patient education video on Mohs Micrographic Surgery.