Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Summary

Mohs surgery was initially developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs and has been refined over 70 years. It is the most effective procedure for treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, with the highest success rate of all skin cancer treatments—up to 99% success rate. This technique enables surgeons to identify and remove tumors one layer at a time, while preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancer removal in the following situations:
Anatomic areas where preservation of healthy tissue is critical for cosmetic or functional purposes, e.g., eyelids, nose, face, fingers, genital area; recurrent tumors; aggressive tumors; cancers with indistinct margins.

Steps for Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery

• Highest cure rate for most skin cancers
• Examination of complete surgical margin vs. only a small percentage with normal pathology
• Preserves healthy tissue to provide a smaller defect and scar
• Procedure performed from start to finish by a skin cancer expert
• Performed in-office under local anesthesia

What to look for in a Mohs surgeon

This procedure is most effectively performed by specially trained surgeons who have completed a rigorous and selective post-residency fellowship. Surgeons with the highest degree of training become members of the American College of Mohs Surgery, which is the “gold standard” in Mohs Micrographic surgery. This organization is different from the American Society for Mohs Surgery which does not require an intensive 1-2 year training fellowship. Only a few physicians in southern Colorado have completed a fellowship approved by the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Before and After Photos

We provide before and after photos. The surgical outcome will vary by patient, and these photos are provided only for illustrative purposes. Also, please note that some of these photos are graphic, so please exercise judgment before accessing.

Surgery instructions

You may download more detailed information on the surgery, along with pre and post operative instructions. We are also happy to send you this information if you call us at 719-355-1585.

 Mohs Packet

Links

American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org)
American College of Mohs Surgery (www.mohscollege.org)
Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org)