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Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery

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.

What is Mohs surgery?

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:

  • the highest cure rates
  • minimal removal of healthy skin
  • precise margin control
  • optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes

Skin cancers treated with Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
  • Recurrent skin cancers
  • Aggressive or fast-growing skin cancers
  • Skin cancers with poorly defined borders

It may also be recommended for skin cancers that:

  • have recurred after previous treatment
  • are large or deeply invasive
  • are located in high-risk or visible areas

Mohs surgery may be recommended when:

  • maximum tissue preservation is critical
  • the skin cancer is located on the face or other sensitive areas
  • the cancer has returned after prior treatment
  • the borders of the tumor are not well defined
  • the cancer shows aggressive features under microscopic examination

A thorough dermatologic evaluation is performed to determine if Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.

How Mohs surgery is performed

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The procedure involves several stages:

  1. The visible tumor is removed
  2. The tissue is mapped and analyzed microscopically
  3. Additional tissue is removed only from areas where cancer cells remain
  4. The process continues until all margins are clear

Because each layer is examined immediately, Mohs surgery ensures complete cancer removal during the same visit.

Reconstruction after Mohs surgery

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:

  • natural healing
  • suturing
  • local skin flaps
  • skin grafts

The goal is to restore both function and appearance while promoting optimal healing.

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients return home the same day. Recovery time varies depending on the size and location of the surgical site. Postoperative care includes:

  • wound care instructions
  • follow-up visits to monitor healing
  • long-term skin cancer surveillance

Patients who undergo Mohs surgery are encouraged to have regular skin examinations to monitor for new or recurrent skin cancers.

Benefits of Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery offers several advantages:

  • highest cure rates for skin cancer
  • precise removal of cancerous tissue
  • preservation of healthy skin
  • excellent cosmetic outcomes
  • immediate confirmation of complete cancer removal

Goals of Mohs surgery

The primary goals of Mohs surgery are to:

  • completely remove skin cancer
  • minimize the risk of recurrence
  • preserve healthy surrounding tissue
  • achieve optimal functional and cosmetic results
  • ensure long-term skin cancer control

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