Mohs micrographic surgery is a state-of-the-art surgical technique used to treat basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. It has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer, with five-year cure rates for new cancers exceeding 99%, and a 95% cure rate for recurring cancers.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced surgical procedure that removes skin cancer effectively using only local anesthesia. Mohs is a very precise, highly detailed technique in which small layers of skin are sequentially removed and immediately examined under the microscope until the samples indicate that the skin cancer is completely gone. By removing only tissue where cancer is known to be present, the technique combines a very high cure rate with good preservation of normal skin. This, in turn, helps minimize scarring resulting from the procedure. The American College of Mohs Surgery provides additional details via their “What to Expect for Patients For Patients” online pamphlet.
Mohs Surgery vs. Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy
We compare the two skin cancer treatments below. To stay informed, visit MohsCollege.org.
Mohs Surgery
- Mohs only removes the skin cancer, preserving healthy skin
- 100% of the skin is evaluated to ensure complete cancer removal
- Gold standard treatment for most skin cancers, even aggressive ones
- Cancer is cured in a single visit
- CURES skin cancer
- Over 99% cure rate
- Wound is repaired same day
- Superior long-term cosmetic outcome
- Cost-effective
Radiation Therapy
- Radiation damages everything in its path, including healthy skin
- There is no confirmation that the cancer has been removed
- Not recommended as a first or even second-line treatment option by national cancer guidelines
- Requires 15 or 20 treatments over several days to weeks
- Can cause more skin cancers
- At least 1 in 20 will come back
- Skin irritating, blistering, peeling, color changes, hair loss, tooth decay, and damage to salivary glands are common side effects
- Unpredictable long-term cosmetic outcome
- Very expensive
Post-Operative Care Instructions
After a Mohs surgery procedure, most patients find the recovery process simple and easy thanks to the streamlined surgical approach that leaves surrounding tissue unharmed. However, it is normal for patients to wonder what they can expect after a Mohs surgery. This video will help you understand what to expect in the short and long term.
