What Is Mohs Surgery?
In Mohs surgery, cancerous tissue is isolated and carefully removed from the adjacent healthy tissue. Cancerous tissue is then microscopically examined to trace the cancer. Based on this examination, which takes place in an on-site, certified laboratory, the surgeon continues to remove tissue or completes the procedure.
Considering Mohs Surgery?
Primarily used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs is also be used to treat less common tumors. Mohs surgery is usually recommended when:
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A previously treated cancer recurs -
The cancer is large or has undefined edges -
The cancer grows rapidly or uncontrollably -
Scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer
FAQs
How effective is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any known skin cancer treatment: 99 percent overall, and 95 percent for recurrent cases. It allows the best cosmetic outcome and preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue. Effective for many types of skin cancer, Mohs is most frequently used to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
How is Mohs Surgery performed?
Mohs surgery is performed in our surgical suite under local anesthesia. The process includes a specific sequence of surgery and pathologic investigation. First, Dr. Renfro surgically excises the tumor with a narrow margin. The tissue is then processed in the onsite histotechnology laboratory where it is color coded with tissue dyes. A precise map of the tissue is made and then the tissue is analyzed microscopically to determine if the margins contain any remaining cancerous cells. If any cancer remains, another thin layer of tissue is removed, only from the specific site where the tumor cells were still present. This procedure is repeated until the cancer is completely removed.
Where is the surgery performed?
Surgery is performed in our onsite Joint Commission accredited and Medicare certified ambulatory surgery facility. Our patients experience the highest level of outpatient care.
How long does it take?
The removal of each layer of tissue is brief, requiring approximately 15-20 minutes. The processing and microscopic analysis of each layer of tissue requires approximately one to two hours. Most skin cancers are removed in one to two layers. A Mohs surgical case begins in the morning and is generally completed in several hours.
What is the healing process like?
The best method of managing the wound resulting from surgery is determined after the cancer is completely removed. When the final defect is known, management is individualized to achieve the best results and to preserve functional capabilities and maximize aesthetics.
A small wound may be allowed to heal on its own, or the wound may be closed with stitches, a skin graft or a flap. If a tumor is larger than initially anticipated, another surgical specialist with special skills may complete the reconstruction.
Request a Consultation
Annapolis Dermatology Associates offers the latest Mohs surgery techniques, which offer the highest possible cure rates for skin cancer. Offering the highest potential for complete cure and best cosmetic outcome, it represents the state of the art in skin cancer management.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!