What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Surgery, also known as Mohs Micrographic Surgery, is a specialized surgery used to treat certain types of skin cancers. It is considered the most effective treatment for certain kinds of skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The procedure was invented by Dr. Frederic Mohs in 1937 and has been used by doctors for more than 80 years.

How it Works

Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of cancerous skin cells and examining them under a microscope. This process is repeated until the surgeon is able to identify the outermost layer of skin that have no cancer cells in it. This helps to ensure that all of the cancerous tissue has been removed.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. The area where the cancer was located is initially numbed with a local anesthetic, and then the thin layers of skin and tissue are slowly removed, checked under a microscope, and the procedure is repeated until all of the cancerous tissue has been removed and the surrounding healthy tissue has been preserved.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

There are many benefits of Mohs Surgery, including its high cure rate for certain types of skin cancer. The procedure is also highly accurate, providing a very detailed map of the area where the cancer is located. This allows the surgeon to more accurately identify the outermost layers of skin that are cancer-free.

Another benefit of Mohs Surgery is that it can be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing the risk of infection and allowing patients to recover at home. The procedure is also relatively quick, and much of the healthy surrounding tissue is preserved as the surgeons take out thin layers of skin and check them for cancer cells.

Final Thoughts

Mohs Surgery is a specialized technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It has a high accuracy rate and a high cure rate, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is relatively quick, and much of the healthy surrounding tissue is preserved as the layers of skin and tissue are checked for cancer cells. If you think you may have skin cancer, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss Mohs Surgery and decide if it is right for you.