Mohs Microhraphic surgery was named after Dr.Frederick Mohs, a surgeon who invented the technique of examining the removed tissue in a very precise way prior to suturing the wound closed. Skin cancer may have roots that are invisible to the eye. This may cause some treatment modalities to occasionally fail. By utilizing Mohs surgery the doctor has the ability to track out and remove all the microscopic traces of the malignancy. With Mohs surgery, the entire perimeter and undersurface of the removed tissue are examined which results in the highest possible cure rate and maximal tissue conservation, thus optimizing cosmetic outcome.The microscopic examination occurs in the office, while the patient waits, in order to ensure removal prior to reconstruction.Because 100% of the margin gets examined, the Mohs surgeon can minimize the amount of tissue removed, and maximize conservation of healthy/normal tissue.

  Mohs micrographic surgery is state of the art treatment for skin cancer in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon. It relies on the precision and accuracy or a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer – down to its roots.

Of all treatments for skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery:
    • Offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%)
    • Has the lowest chance of regrowth
    • Minimizes the potential for scarring or disfigurement
    • Is the most exact and precise means of removal

  For decades, Mohs micrographic surgery has proven effective in getting to the roots of skin cancer by combining the surgical removal of cancer with the immediate microscopic examination of the tumor and underlying diseased tissue. This process allows dermatologists trained in Mohs surgery to see beyond the visible disease and precisely identify and remove the entire tumor…and nothing but the tumor.

  Mohs surgeons are physicians who have extensive knowledge of the skin and its healing properties, as well as training in reconstructive surgery. They are best suited to understand wound management, which helps produce the best cosmetic result. Most Mohs surgeons will perform the reconstructive surgery necessary to repair the wound at the time of the surgery.

  Mohs Micrographic surgery is effective for most types of skin cancer, but is most commonly used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice when:
    • The cancer is large
    • The edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined
    • The cancer is in an area of the body where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for the maximum functional and cosmetic result, or is likely to recur if treated by common methods (eyelid, nose, ears, lips)
    • Prior treatment has failed
    • The cancer has aggressive growth characteristics