Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a procedure that was developed by Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s. Mohs surgery is highly specialized surgical technique used to remove skin cancer. It involves repeated excision of the tumor at increasing depths. At each stage, the entire excised area is examined microscopically to see if any cancerous cells are present. If cells are found, another stage is performed.
Moh’s SurgeryMohs surgery is most frequently used to remove basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Lesions that have already recurred or are likely to recur are often treated with Mohs surgery because of the procedure’s specificity. This precision makes Mohs surgery ideal for the removal of cancers in functionally critical areas, such as the face, hands, feet, and genitals.
As with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring; however, because Mohs surgery removes as little as possible, scarring is minimized. There may be temporary or permanent numbness or muscle weakness in the area. Though most patients do not experience residual pain, Tylenol or Acetaminophen is generally all that is required for relief.
We offer our patients an information sheet upon scheduling an appointment for Mohs surgery. Additional information may also be obtained from the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
