Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the procedure. The primary goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, maximizing the chances of a cure and minimizing cosmetic disfigurement.

The procedure is typically performed in stages. After each surgical removal of tissue, the tissue is immediately processed and examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon, who is specially trained to interpret these slides. This allows the surgeon to map the precise location and extent of any remaining cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, an additional layer of tissue is removed only from the area where the cancer is found. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are visible under the microscope.

Mohs surgery is particularly effective for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer. It is often recommended for skin cancers that:

• Are located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, nose, ears, or eyelids.
• Are large or have poorly defined borders.
• Have recurred after previous treatment.
• Are aggressive or growing rapidly.

The advantages of Mohs surgery include a high cure rate (often exceeding 99% for primary skin cancers), minimal removal of healthy tissue, and immediate microscopic examination of the removed tissue. Potential disadvantages include the time required for the procedure (which can take several hours), the need for specialized training on the part of the surgeon, and the potential for scarring. Following Mohs surgery, reconstruction may be required to repair the surgical defect, and this may be performed by the Mohs surgeon or referred to another specialist, such as a plastic surgeon.