What To Expect During Mohs Surgery

In-Office Procedure

Unlike what most would expect from the name, Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office, and usually, only local anesthetic is required.

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who first developed the surgical technique, the procedure involves the layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue. These are very thin layers that are examined under a microscope as they are removed. This strategy allows your doctor to see precisely where the cancer stops, which is one of the most important benefits of Mohs surgery.

Benefits

Because your doctor can be very accurate about removing only cancerous tissue, it allows you to keep as much of your skin as possible. Something especially important in areas such as the eyelids, ears, and hands, for example. Scarring is also reduced when compared to similar treatments.

Your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery when treating the above-mentioned areas, or if the cancer is particularly aggressive, large, or if it has been treated before by other means and has returned.