Is Mohs Surgery a Treatment for Skin Cancer?

Every year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. Most of those cancers fall into two types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

While skin cancer treatment varies depending on the type, placement, and stage of the tumor, many patients are treated with an advanced surgical technique called Mohs micrographic surgery (or simply Mohs surgery). In fact, Mohs surgery is so effective, it’s often referred to as the gold standard for skin cancer treatment.

At Luminary Dermatology, our team is skilled in Mohs surgery techniques focused on removing cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In this post, learn what Mohs surgery is and the role it plays in skin cancer treatment.

Mohs surgery: The basics

Mohs surgery is named for the doctor who developed it in the 1930s, Dr. Frederic Mohs. Since the 1970s, it’s been the technique of choice for treating specific types of skin cancer. 

The Mohs technique was developed to eliminate cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, reducing potential scarring and tissue loss. The surgery is performed using a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area prior to tissue removal.

In addition to sparing as much tissue as possible, Mohs surgery is also known for its high cure rates of 90% or greater. The surgery is ideal for both new cancers and for cancers that recur following prior treatment.

How Mohs surgery is performed

Mohs surgery is performed in stages. In the first stage, your doctor removes the visible lesion, then immediately examines the tissue under a powerful microscope, paying special attention to the edges of the excised tissue. 

If the edges are clear of cancer, the incision is closed. But if your doctor sees cancer cells at the edges or margins of the excised tissue, the location of those cells is carefully mapped and your doctor removes additional tissue in those areas. The process of examination is repeated until all the margins are clear. Finally, the area is closed with sutures.

This stepwise approach ensures all the cancer is removed while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. Preserving healthy tissue is especially critical when treating tumors in highly visible areas, like your face, or for treating tumors in other complex or challenging locations. Plus, because tissue is evaluated immediately, Mohs the procedure avoids the need for repeat visits for additional surgery.

Schedule your skin cancer screening today

Skin cancer can be difficult to identify on your own, but fortunately, annual skin cancer screening helps identify cancer in its earliest stages. In general, if you notice any changes in your skin — like new or evolving moles, itchy or scaly patches, unusual spots, or weepy sores — it’s important to call the office right away for an evaluation.

To find out more about skin cancer treatment or to schedule a routine skin cancer screening, book an appointment online or by phone with our team at Luminary Dermatology. We have offices in Arcadia, Miami, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Bradenton, and Northport, Florida, and Midwest City, Oklahoma.