Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It is recognized as the most precise and effective method for removing skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs surgery is performed by specially trained physicians and is most commonly used for skin cancers located on cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas, such as the face, nose, ears, lips, eyelids, scalp, hands, and feet.
Mohs surgery is a step-by-step surgical procedure in which skin cancer is removed in thin layers. Each layer is examined immediately under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are still present. This process is repeated until all cancer cells are completely removed, while healthy surrounding tissue is preserved.
This technique allows for:
Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat:
It may also be recommended for skin cancers that:
Mohs surgery may be recommended when:
A thorough dermatologic evaluation is performed to determine if Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The procedure involves several stages:
Because each layer is examined immediately, Mohs surgery ensures complete cancer removal during the same visit.
Once the cancer has been fully removed, the surgical site is evaluated for reconstruction. Depending on the size and location of the wound, reconstruction may involve:
The goal is to restore both function and appearance while promoting optimal healing.
Most patients return home the same day. Recovery time varies depending on the size and location of the surgical site. Postoperative care includes:
Patients who undergo Mohs surgery are encouraged to have regular skin examinations to monitor for new or recurrent skin cancers.
Mohs surgery offers several advantages:
The primary goals of Mohs surgery are to: