This method, invented in the early 1940s by Dr. Mohs, allows the removal of skin cancer under complete microscopic control (using microscopic control, the Mohs surgeon can trace out the extent of the tumor and remove only diseased tissue).
Today while the Mohs technique has gone through many permutations, it is still centered on the complete removal of the skin cancer allowing for the smallest surgical defect and the highest cure rate, approximating 100%.
Mohs micrographic surgery has become recognized worldwide as the treatment, which results in the best cure rate for skin cancers. In order to assure the maintenance of high quality results for the patients Mohs surgery fellowships accredited by the ACMMSCO (American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology) have been created. There, a board certified dermatologist spends one to two years, training one-on-one, with an accredited ACMMSCO Mohs surgeon performing under the directors’ supervision over 1000 Mohs cases.
Indications:
Mohs surgery is indicated for the most common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and other tumors located in areas where functionality or aesthetics requires the highest degree of healthy tissue conservation and/or the highest cure rate. Mohs surgery is also indicated in certain special types of cancers with high risk of aggressive or subclinical growth (eg. morpheaform BCC, superficial spreading BCC). Other indications include skin cancer in young or immunosuppressed individuals, history of recurrence, rapid or aggressive growth, large size or indistinct clinical margins.
