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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 renowned as the most effective method for addressing common non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. This surgical procedure eradicates the cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue, resulting in minimal scarring. After the removal of cells and affected tissue layers, they are examined by a pathologist in a lab. The distinction between Mohs surgery and excisional surgery lies in the former's staged process, with lab testing conducted on-site.
Primarily, Mohs surgery is 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) due to its high success rate.
At Dermatologists of Greater Columbus, our fellowship trained Mohs surgeons have undergone extensive training and have amassed decades of experience. Our Mohs surgeons operate in Dublin, Columbus, Canal Winchester, Urbana, Circleville, Washington Courthouse, Grove City and Marysville, Ohio.
What to expect
During Mohs surgery, you can expect to undergo a meticulous procedure to remove skin cancer layer by layer, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The process involves removing thin layers of skin and examining them under a microscope until no cancerous cells remain. Local anesthesia is typically applied directly to the area in order to ensure minimal discomfort during the procedure. After the surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can usually be managed with pain medication and proper wound care. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor your healing progress and ensure the success of the procedure.