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A surgery involving cutting away thin layers of the skin to look for signs of — or to treat — skin cancer. This micrographic surgery has a high cure rate and minimizes damage to healthy skin.
What is it?
Mohs surgery is recognized as the most successful procedure for treating non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. This surgical approach eradicates cancerous cells while preserving healthy skin, resulting in minimal scarring. After the removal of the cells and affected tissue layers, they are reviewed by a pathologist in a laboratory. What sets Mohs surgery apart from excisional surgery is its stage-by-stage execution, coupled with on-site lab analysis.
Given its high efficacy rate, Mohs surgery is primarily recommended for patients with high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer (high-risk skin cancers are found on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet, and genitals).
What to expect
During Mohs surgery, expect a precise and thorough removal of skin cancer layers. The procedure involves local anesthesia, followed by the surgeon's meticulous removal and examination of cancerous tissue layer by layer. This process continues until all cancer cells are eliminated while preserving healthy tissue. Expect minimal discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days. Depending on the extent of the surgery, wound care and follow-up appointments may be necessary. Overall, Mohs surgery offers high cure rates and minimal scarring, providing effective treatment for skin cancer.
Our board-certified team of dermatologists serving the communities of Avon, Sandusky, Broadview Heights, Medina, Port Clinton, and Strongsville, Ohio, are highly trained and have years of experience with Mohs surgery. Rest assured you will be treated with compassionate care throughout your surgery.