Mohs Micrographic Surgery allows for the selective removal of the skin cancer with the preservation of as much of the surrounding normal tissue as possible with the highest cure rate of any procedure.

What Are The Indications of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Skin cancer to include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease (squamous cell carcinoma in-situ)

Am I A Candidate?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery allows for the selective removal of the skin cancer with the preservation of as much of the surrounding normal tissue as is possible. This is a complete systematic microscopic search for the roots of the skin cancer. Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest chance for complete removal of the cancer while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is very useful for large tumors, tumors with indistinct borders, recurrent tumors, tumors near vital functional or cosmetic structures, and tumors for which other forms of therapy have failed. Mohs surgery is also helpful for younger patients (under the age of 45) and those with history of difficulty with {ln:skin cancer}. Although no surgeon or technique can guarantee 100% chance of cure, the Mohs technique enjoys the highest cure rate of all treatments for selected skin cancers.

What Does The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Procedure Involve?

The visible tumor along with a thin rim (1-2 mm) of healthy tissue is excised and, while keeping orientation, processed in a unique manner and examined under the microscope. On the microscopic slides, the Mohs surgeon examines the entire bottom surface and outside edges of the tissue. (This differs from the frozen sections prepared in a regular laboratory setting which, in fact, represent only a tiny sampling of the tumor margins.) This tissue has been marked to orient top to bottom and left to right. If any tumor is seen during the microscopic examination, its location is established, and a thin layer of additional tissue is excised from the involved area. The microscopic examination is then repeated. The entire process is repeated until no tumor is found.

What Are The Advantages of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest cure rate while allowing the least amount of surrounding healthy tissue to be removed.

How Long Is The Procedure?

Mohs surgery may take 30 minutes to several hours. It is quite variable because of the differences between lesions excised and analyzed.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

The Mohs procedure generally requires one treatment session.

Will I Have Pain?

We anesthetize the area to allow for comfort during the procedure. Most of our patients report minimal post-operative pain which responds readily to medicines prescribed at the time of discharge.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can generally return to work on the same day or next day.

Who Performs The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Treatment?

Mohs treatments are performed by our fully licensed and trained board-certified dermatologist / Mohs surgeons. To be a “Mohs surgeon” means we are qualified by the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.

How Much Does It Cost?

This procedure is not cosmetic and should be covered by insurance.

For Further Information

If you have been wondering if Mohs Micrographic Surgery is right for you, call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 and arrange a private consultation. We would be happy to address all of your concerns.