The Procedure That Cures Skin Cancer
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a technique used by specially trained dermatologic surgeons to treat high-risk skin cancers. Invented in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, it has become the gold standard of treatment for high-risk skin cancers, particularly for those on the head and neck, because of its very high cure rates. While small low-risk basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas can be effectively treated with excision or local destruction, Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers in critical areas such as the central face and ears, as well as for large or deep tumors, recurrent tumors, and tumors with aggressive features under the microscope.
Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. This technique differs from standard excision in that the surgeon is also the pathologist examining the tissue under the microscope. This allows the surgeon to map and evaluate 100% of the peripheral and deep margins of the specimen and precisely pinpoint any areas where cancer cells remain, ensuring that the narrowest possible margin can be removed. A histology technician prepares the sample while the patient waits, and results are usually ready within several hours. If additional tissue removal is required, that is performed immediately.
Reconstruction
After the cancerous cells have been completely removed, the defect can be repaired. Most patients can be repaired by Dr. Ratner in the office immediately after the skin cancer has been cleared. The patient goes home with a bandage over the area and specific instructions for wound care and follow-up. At times patients are referred for repair by another surgical subspecialist.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Ratner completed a two-year fellowship training program in Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction, and has nearly 25 years of experience. She has performed over 15,000 Mohs surgery cases over the course of her career, and she and her staff are committed to providing excellent, compassionate care to all of their patients.
Micrographic Surgery FAQs
Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers in critical areas such as the central face and ears, as well as for large or deep tumors, recurrent tumors, and tumors with aggressive features under the microscope. Mohs surgery provides a 95-99% cure rate for the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas and has the advantage of maximum preservation of healthy tissue while leaving the smallest possible scar.
