Mohs Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a highly effective skin cancer surgical treatment named after its founder, Frederic E. Mohs, M.D. Dr. Mohs conducted numerous cancer research projects as a medical student from 1929 to 1934, under the direction of his mentor and professor, Dr. Michael Guyer. Dr. Guyer was experienced in preparing frozen tissue for microscopic slides, and had published a book that discussed the process and relevance of microscopic examination and documenting.

Dr. Mohs later used these techniques to examine cancer around the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and bone by shaving or excising thin slices of tissue to be examined under a microscope.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Overview

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective procedure currently available for the treatment of skin cancer. This procedure is performed by highly skilled and experienced surgeons who have completed at least one year of fellowship training in Mohs surgery, in addition to the three-year dermatology residency.

Mohs surgery has been used to efficiently treat skin cancers for over 70 years. With its advanced technique, Mohs surgery allows tumors to be removed layer by layer for complete cancer removal, while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. Because of its precise nature, there is a reduced risk of recurrence and less of a chance of scarring or physical disfigurement.

Because of its precise nature and the specialized surgical, pathological and reconstructive training of the surgeon, Mohs surgery is considered to be the most effective skin cancer treatment, with a success rate of up to 99 percent. It is often preferred to treat cancer on the face or other sensitive areas because it thoroughly removes only cancerous cells with little to no damage to surrounding tissue.

» Click here to view a patient education video from the American College of Mohs Surgery.

The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Process

Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in your doctor's office. The procedure usually begins in the early morning and can be completed within one day, depending on the size and severity of the tumor. Local anesthesia will likely be applied to the targeted area to minimize discomfort while allowing patients to remain awake during the procedure.

Mohs Surgery Reconstruction - Repairing the Wound

After thoroughly excising cancerous cells with Mohs surgery, patients will be left with a wound in the treated area that may be of cosmetic or emotional concern. Fortunately, there are several reconstruction options to improve the appearance of the wound.

Patients can work together with their doctor in order to determine the most appropriate reconstructive option. Common treatments include:

Allowing the wound to heal on its own
Closing the wound with stitches
Using a skin graft or flap to cover the wound
Enlisting a surgeon with specialized training for reconstruction of large wounds

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Post Surgical Management

After surgery, patients will be seen on a regular basis to monitor the healing process and detect any recurrences of cancer as soon as possible. As many as two out of every five skin cancer patients will develop the disease again in the future, so follow-up care is essential in ensuring early detection and effective treatment of any new lesions.