Mohs surgery precisely treats certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. At Waterside Dermatology, our doctors combine this highly specialized technique with personalized care to guide you confidently through treatment. Dr. Erfon Ekhlassi and Dr. David Aung-Din are both board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (Mohs Surgery), bringing advanced expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Target Cancerous Tissue Layer by Layer
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing certain skin cancers while preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible. Your doctor removes the cancer in thin layers and examines each layer under a microscope during the procedure. This process continues until no cancer cells remain at the margins. Mohs surgery is used for certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in areas where preserving healthy skin is especially important.
Mohs Surgery Treats:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Recurrent skin cancers
- Skin cancers with poorly defined borders
- Certain large or aggressive skin cancers
- Skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important
- Certain skin cancers on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands, or feet
What Happens During Mohs Surgery?
Your consultation begins with a careful review of your skin cancer diagnosis, including the type, size, location, and characteristics of the tumor. Your doctor will review relevant biopsy results, examine the area, discuss your medical history and previous skin cancers, and explain whether Mohs is appropriate for you. You’ll also have time to ask questions.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer in thin, carefully mapped layers. After each layer is removed, the tissue margins are examined under a microscope. The process continues only where cancer is still present. This precise approach provides comprehensive margin evaluation while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible during treatment, particularly in sensitive areas.
Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma usually grows slowly but can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated, particularly on the face. Mohs surgery may be recommended for BCCs that are large, recurrent, aggressive, or in sensitive areas. Layer-by-layer removal allows your doctor to trace irregular cancerous growth while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can invade deeper into the skin and has a greater potential to spread than BCC. Mohs surgery may be appropriate for SCCs with higher-risk features, recurrent tumors, or cancers in sensitive locations. Examining each layer helps your doctor precisely remove cancerous tissue while confirming clear margins and conserving healthy skin.
What Are the Advantages of Mohs Surgery?
The primary advantage of Mohs surgery is its precision. By examining the margins of each tissue layer during the procedure, your doctor can identify exactly where cancer cells remain and remove additional tissue only where needed. This helps preserve as much surrounding healthy skin as possible, which can be especially valuable in sensitive areas.
Other advantages of Mohs surgery include:
- Precise, layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue
- Preservation of more surrounding healthy skin
- A high cure rate for many appropriately selected skin cancers
- Particular value for cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas
- Treatment of certain recurrent or higher-risk skin cancers
- Removal and microscopic examination during the same visit
Reconstruction and Repair After Mohs Surgery
Once your Mohs surgery is complete, the next step is repairing the surgical site. Depending on the size and location of the wound, this may involve simple closure, a flap, a skin graft, or natural healing. Your doctor will recommend the option that supports the best healing and cosmetic outcome.
View Mohs Reconstruction & Repair
FAQs
How Long Will My Mohs Surgery Take?
The length of your procedure depends on how many layers need to be removed before the margins are clear. Because each layer is examined during your visit, you’ll spend some time waiting between stages. Your doctor can explain what to expect based on your skin cancer.
Will I Be Awake During Mohs Surgery?
Yes. Mohs surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area while allowing you to remain awake. Additional anesthetic can be administered when needed to help keep the area comfortable throughout the procedure.
What Happens After All the Cancer Has Been Removed?
Once examination confirms that the margins are clear, your doctor will determine how the surgical site should heal. Depending on its size and location, the wound may be closed with stitches, reconstructed using a flap or skin graft, or allowed to heal naturally.
Will I Have a Scar After Mohs Surgery?
Any surgery that removes skin tissue can leave a scar. Because Mohs removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, it can help minimize the size of the surgical wound. Your final scar will also depend on the cancer’s size, depth, and location.
Treat Skin Cancer With Greater Precision
If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer that may be appropriate for Mohs, our doctors can help you understand what comes next. Call Waterside Dermatology to schedule a consultation for Mohs surgery in Bradenton, FL, and receive attentive care throughout your treatment.
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