What is Mohs Surgery, and when is it needed?

Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most precise and effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer. Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs who developed the technique in the 1930s, this procedure is especially beneficial for treating cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical such as the face, ears, hands, and other cosmetically or functionally important areas.

At Skin Institute, Mohs surgery is performed by specialist doctors who have undergone extensive training in this technique. The process involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examining each layer under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain. This step-by-step approach allows for the complete removal of cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery is most commonly used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially when:

• The cancer is large or aggressive.
• The cancer has returned after previous treatment.
• The borders of the cancer are hard to define.
• The cancer is in a sensitive or high-risk location.

The key advantage of Mohs surgery is its high cure rate (up to 99% for certain cancers) making it a gold standard treatment. It’s also performed under local anaesthesia and often completed in a single visit. For patients, that means quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and peace of mind.