What is MOHS Surgery?

Skin Cancer is exceptionally common. The most common types of skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. Skin Cancer can be treated by various modalities depending upon multiple factors. One specialized and highly useful treatment is called MOHS Surgery (also known as MOHS Chemosurgery or MOHS Micrographic Surgery). This type of skin cancer surgery was pioneered by a famous surgeon named Frederic Mohs. MOHS Surgery is a precise type of skin cancer removal done with a frozen section technique in the office. With MOHS Surgery, the entire “margin” of the skin cancer section can be examined microscopically to ensure complete clearance of skin cancer. Because of its precision, the cure rate for skin cancer with MOHS Surgery is extremely high. Not every skin cancer is treated with MOHS Surgery because MOHS Surgery isn’t necessary for cancers that are small or well defined or in locations where “standard” skin cancer treatments can be employed successfully. MOHS Surgery is especially helpful for tumors that are more complex in terms of size, location and cancer subtype.

Because of its precision, the cure rate for skin cancer with MOHS Surgery is extremely high.

For instance, skin cancers involving the nose, lips, eyelids and ears (where tissue sparing is especially important) are often good candidates for MOHS Surgery. Large and poorly defined/visualized skin cancers are also good candidates. Each patient and each skin cancer must be evaluated individually to determine whether MOHS Surgery is a good surgical option.