Mohs Surgery
WHAT IS MOHS SURGERY?
Mohs surgery, or Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly effective technique for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common skin cancers. The procedure is performed in stages with immediate lab work to ensure all cancerous cells are removed while preserving healthy tissue and minimizing scarring.
WHEN IS MOHS RECOMMENDED?
If you notice a suspicious skin lesion, see a dermatologist. If skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be performed. Mohs surgery may be recommended based on the cancer’s type, location, and other factors. This procedure is performed in our office by Dr. Stephen Nervi, Dermatologic Surgeon and Fellow Member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery—specially trained to act as (1) the surgeon who removes the cancer, (2) the pathologist who analyzes the tissue during the procedure, and (3) the reconstructive surgeon who repairs the wound.
IS MOHS SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including those in cosmetically and functionally important areas around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals. Mohs is also recommended for BCCs or SCCs that are large, aggressive or growing rapidly, that have indistinct edges or have recurred after previous treatment. Some surgeons are also successfully using Mohs surgery on certain cases of Melanoma.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY?
The Mohs procedure is widely considered the most effective treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the treatment process, 100 percent of the margins of the growth are examined. At the same time, healthy tissue is spared. Mohs has the highest cure rate among all skin cancer treatments, up to 99 percent for new skin cancers. It’s cure rate for recurrent skin cancers is up to 94 percent.
What Are The Advantages Of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
The biggest advantages of Mohs micrographic surgery are related to the accuracy of this procedure. In the standard excisional process of removing skin cancer, you’ve got a doctor removing the tissue and a pathologist examining it. These two professionals are in separate facilities, and there is a time-lapse between removal, examination, and interpretation. In that model, there is more room for error and miscommunication. Mohs micrographic surgery offers advantages, including:
- Highest cure rates: up to 99% for untreated skin cancers and ~94% for recurrent cancers
- Complete margin control: 100% examination of tumor edges during the procedure for precise results
- Single-visit outpatient care: most patients should plan to be in the office for about 3 hours
- On-site lab work: immediate analysis—no waiting for results
- Tissue-sparing: removes the cancer while preserving healthy tissue
- Better cosmetic outcomes: tissue conservation helps minimize scarring
- Local anesthesia in-office: comfortable treatment; recovery time may be shortened
- Efficient and cost-effective compared with multiple visits or repeat procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Mohs surgery is a highly precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer by removing thin layers of tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Yes, Mohs surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but comfortable throughout the procedure.
The duration can vary depending on how many layers of skin need to be removed, but most procedures are completed within a few hours.
Scarring is possible, but the technique is designed to minimize it. The surgical site is carefully repaired to promote optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Recovery time varies by case, but many patients resume normal activities within a few days, avoiding strenuous exercise during initial healing.