Mohs Surgery

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique to remove certain types of cancer. 

During the outpatient procedure, the provider excises the visible skin cancer lesion and then a thin layer of skin that they examine under a microscope to look for skin cancer cells. They continue removing the cancer through these thin skin layers until all of it is gone.

Because our provider is so meticulous about removing all of the cancerous tissue during Mohs surgery, it has a high cure rate.

What type of cancer is Mohs surgery used to treat?

Salida Dermatology recommends Mohs surgery for patients with aggressive forms of skin cancer (cancer that’s growing fast or recurring) and skin cancer that affects visible areas of the body like the face, scalp, or neck.

Mohs surgery is usually used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), two of the most common types of skin cancer. Salida Dermatology may also suggest Mohs surgery for patients with early-stage melanoma — a fast-growing cancer. 

What is the difference between Mohs surgery and excision surgery?

The difference between Mohs surgery and traditional excision surgery for skin cancer is the comprehensive approach used for Mohs surgery compared to excision surgery. 

During a traditional skin cancer excision procedure, the provider removes the visible cancerous lesion and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. With Mohs surgery, the provider only removes the cancerous lesion and meticulously takes out small amounts of the surrounding skin until they reach healthy tissue. 

Both Mohs surgery and excision surgery eliminate skin cancer, but Mohs surgery preserves more of your healthy skin and ensures the complete removal of all cancer cells. 

Though both procedures are outpatient, Mohs surgery may take several hours, while excision surgery may take an hour or less. 

What can I expect during recovery from Mohs surgery?

Recovery from Mohs surgery varies and depends on the location and size of the lesion. Following Mohs surgery, your provider covers or stitches the wound and provides at-home care instructions.

The initial wound heals quickly, but it can take up to 18 months for the scar tissue to completely heal.

Mohs surgery is an effective treatment for skin cancer. Schedule a consultation with the skin cancer experts at Salida Dermatology by calling or booking an appointment online today to find out if it’s the right procedure for you.