Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

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Surgery Overview

Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing a skin cancer one layer at a time and examining these layers under a microscope immediately after they are removed. This procedure allows for a close examination of each layer of skin to detect cancer cells. It also allows a minimal amount of tissue to be removed while making sure that all the cancer cells are removed.

A local anesthetic is injected into the skin before the surgery. Your doctor then begins to remove the skin cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue, one layer of skin at a time. Each tissue layer is prepared and examined under the microscope for cancer cells. Surgery is complete when no more cancer cells are detected.

What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery.

Why It Is Done

Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for removal of skin cancer that:

  • Is likely to return. Mohs micrographic surgery is more effective in obtaining cancer-free margins for cancers that have irregular borders and a history of removal and recurrence.
  • Is located in visible areas or areas where skin tissue should be preserved, such as on the ears, nose, or eyelids.
  • Is growing quickly.
  • Has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body, such as in some squamous cell carcinomas.
  • Occurs in children.

How Well It Works

Mohs micrographic surgery can be an effective treatment for skin cancer. This technique preserves as much nearby healthy skin as possible. It is recommended for squamous cell carcinoma when the highest cure rate is desired while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.footnote 1 And for basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is the best treatment for sparing healthy tissue and preventing recurrence.footnote 2

Risks

Risks of surgery include:

  • Infection of the wound.
  • Scarring.
  • Discomfort or pain.
  • Bleeding.

What To Think About

Mohs micrographic surgery is the best procedure to preserve skin tissue surrounding the cancer. But it requires special training and equipment. And it is time-consuming and expensive.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

References

Citations

  1. Grossman D, Leffell DJ (2012). Squamous cell carcinoma. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1283-1294. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  2. Carucci JA, et al. (2012). Basal cell carcinoma. In LA Goldman et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8th ed., vol. 1, pp. 1294-1303. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerAmy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

Current as ofMay 3, 2017