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Mohs Surgery — The Gold Standard in Skin Cancer Treatment
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During the procedure, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This approach offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue.
Before Your Procedure
Pre-operative instructions for Mohs surgery are minimal:
- You may eat and drink normally on the day of your procedure.
- Continue taking your regularly prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- If you take Coumadin/Warfarin please call the office.
- Because the anesthesia used for this procedure is local, it is generally not necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home.
What to Expect
Please wear comfortable clothing and plan to spend several hours in our office. Mohs surgery is performed in stages, and the total length of the procedure varies from patient to patient. In some cases, the process can take most of the day. To ensure a stress-free experience, we recommend that you do not schedule any other commitments or appointments on the day of your surgery.
Following your procedure, you may have:
- Sutures (stitches)
- A large post-operative bandage
- Activity restrictions depending on the surgical site
We encourage you to rest for the remainder of the day after your surgery.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
Preparation
The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. You'll be comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
First Layer Removed
A thin layer of tissue is carefully removed and divided into sections, which are mapped and color-coded.
Lab Analysis
While you wait, Dr. Peterson examines 100% of the tissue margins under the microscope to check for cancer cells.
Additional Layers if Needed
If cancer cells are found, only the affected area is removed. This process repeats until all margins are clear.
Wound Repair
Once clear margins are confirmed, Dr. Peterson repairs the wound — often with excellent cosmetic results.
Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas such as the face, ears, hands, and feet; for large, aggressive, or recurrent tumors; and for cancers with poorly defined borders. Dr. Peterson will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer — Mohs offers the highest cure rates with minimal tissue removal.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Particularly effective for high-risk SCC on the face, ears, lips, and hands.
Recurrent Skin Cancers
For cancers that have returned after previous treatment, Mohs provides the most thorough approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned About a Spot on Your Skin?
Don't wait. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer leads to the best outcomes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Peterson today.