Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery, or skin cancer surgery, can treat and remove various types of cancerous growths or precancerous lesions found on the face and body. Skin cancer can affect children and adults of all ages and can be influenced by genetics, sun damage, tanning, or environmental conditions. Skin cancer forms when skin cells begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably, leading to large growths, known as tumors. While some tumors are benign (not harmful to your health), others may be malignant and pose health concerns. Thanks to continuing cancer research over the years, effective skin cancer treatments have been developed that can completely remove cancerous tissue. Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most efficient techniques that can treat cancerous or precancerous growths with precision by removing and examining the affected tissue using a microscope. Skin cancer surgery can target different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Your Mohs surgeon can also remove non-cancerous growths, including atypical moles and actinic keratosis, which may lead to skin cancer if left untreated. Mohs reconstructive surgery can be performed following your skin cancer procedure to improve skin texture and tone for natural-looking results.

Mohs Skin Care Surgery At A Glance
Can surgically treat skin cancer
Removes cancerous tissue with precision using microscopic techniques
Can treat various forms of skin cancer, including melanoma and carcinomas
Can remove cancerous moles, lesions, and actinic keratosis
Mohs reconstructive surgery can be performed to restore natural-looking skin texture following skin cancer surgery

Your Mohs Procedure

Mohs surgery is usually performed at an outpatient surgical facility or local hospital. Your Mohs surgeon will remove the cancerous cells from surrounding tissue to eliminate the growth. These cells will be carefully examined under a microscope during your Mohs procedure. Layers of cancerous tissue are removed during skin cancer surgery until the surrounding skin cells are completely cancer-free.

Mohs surgery is often combined with Mohs reconstruction to restore symmetrical skin texture following skin cancer surgery.

Skin Cancer Overview

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)	Usually a hard, bumpy growth that may appear waxy or red	Most common type of skin cancer that rarely spreads to surrounding areas
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)	Scaly, red, crusted appearance that may look elevated	Common form of skin cancer that can spread to other areas if left untreated
Merkel Cell Carcinoma	Usually a flesh-colored lump / nodule	Rare skin cancer that can spread to adjacent areas and often affects the elderly
Melanoma	Usually a dark brown or black growth	Most dangerous type of skin cancer that can form malignant tumors
Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)	Lesions that are rough or scaly in appearance	These growths can form squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated
Atypical Moles	Moles that are similar in appearance to melanoma	Non-cancerous, but patients with atypical moles may be at a greater risk of developing melanoma

What To Expect After Undergoing Skin Cancer Surgery

Mohs surgery patients can expect moderate swelling and bruising after skin cancer surgery. Special bandages are to be worn in subsequent days to aid in the healing process. Mohs surgery recovery will vary depending on the type and extent of your skin cancer. Specific timeframes and aftercare instructions can be discussed with your Mohs surgeon during your consultation.

Mohs surgery can completely remove skin cancer growths using advanced micrographic techniques. Often combined with Mohs reconstructive surgery, skin cancer treatment can restore natural-looking skin texture.

Get Started With Mohs Surgery

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DISCLAIMER

This website is meant to be informational in nature and should never be considered as a substitute for the opinion of a medical professional. The Persian American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides these services to help patients find a qualified plastic surgeon to help meet their particular goals. PASPS cannot guarantee patient satisfaction when undergoing treatment with one of our affiliated surgeons you decide to select.

Mohs Surgery - Skin Cancer Surgery