ABOUT MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY
Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled procedure that treats skin cancer lesions by removing thin layers of skin and examining the margin for cancer cells under a microscope. The surgery is repeated until the margins are clear of cancer. Mohs surgery is appropriate for skin cancers with a high risk of recurrence or when tissue conservation is important.
Clinical studies have shown that the cure rate for Mohs surgery is the highest of all treatments for skin cancer with up to a 99 percent, 5-year cure rate, even if other forms of treatment have failed.
MOHS at Core Dermatology
We are proud to offer this highly effective skin cancer treatment. Our board-certified Mohs surgeons can administer the procedure; performing all acts of surgery, pathology and reconstruction. Relying on the accuracy of a microscope to track and ensure the removal of skin cancer down to its roots, surgeons can precisely identify and remove the entire tumor. This state-of-the-art procedure allows dermatologic surgeons, trained in Mohs surgery, to see beyond the visible disease.
Mohs Micrographic surgery – Steps
The Mohs process includes a specific sequence of surgery and pathological investigation. At this time the surgeon examines the removed tissue for evidence of extended cancer roots. Mohs micrographic surgery is performed under local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Mohs surgeons:
- Remove a thin layer of tissue that contains the tumor and a small margin.
- They create a “map” or drawing of the removed tissue to be used as a guide to the precise location of any remaining cancer cells.
- The thin tissue layer is prepared on a slide to read.
- The slide is microscopically examined to check for evidence of remaining cancer cells.
If any of the sections contain cancer cells, Mohs surgeons:
- Return to the specific area of the tumor site as indicated by the map.
- Remove only another thin layer of tissue from the specific area within each section where cancer cells were detected.
- Microscopically examine the newly removed tissue for additional cancer cells.
If the microscopic analysis still shows evidence of disease, the process continues, layer by layer, until the cancer is completely gone.
Post surgical results and management are individualized to achieve the best results and to preserve functional capabilities and maximize aesthetics. Our Mohs surgeons at Core Dermatology are also trained in reconstructive surgery, and will usually perform the reconstructive procedure necessary to repair the wound. In some cases, our board-certified plastic surgeon will assist with the reconstruction procedure so the patient has the best final cosmetic result. A small wound may be allowed to heal on its own, or the wound may be closed in a straight line with stitches. Other surgical defects may be best repaired using a skin graft or a flap of adjacent skin.
There is always a reasonable measure of possible complications and risks, such as allergic reactions, anesthetic risk, scarring, infection, bleeding and nerve damage (both motor and sensory). Final results depend a great deal on the depth of the cancer, and the amount of nerve, muscle, and other nearby tissue that needs removed in order to thoroughly remove the cancer.