Mohs Micrographic Surgery

People with:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Melanoma (Some types)
• Other rare types of skin cancer

• Your site will be numbed with a local anesthetic, likely the same that was used for your initial biopsy
• Dr. Chanden will remove a layer of skin where the cancer lies
• A temporary pressure dressing will be applied to your wound, and you will move to the waiting area
• Your specimen will be prepped by a trained Mohs technician and read through a microscope by Dr. Chanden
• If Dr. Chanden sees any cancer cells on the outer edges of the specimen, you will be brought back to the exam room again, and another layer will be removed
• Once Dr. Chanden notes that the margins are clear, you will be brought back into the exam room where your wound will be closed or covered and the nursing staff will apply the proper bandages, go over wound care, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your healing process

• Mohs has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer procedure with a 99% cure rate for cancers that have not had previous treatment
• When you have Mohs done, your surgeon is also the pathologist who examines the removed skin tissue which ensures that all existing skin cancer is removed before you leave the office
• Mohs is a skin-sparing procedure — small sections are removed in stages to allow for the least amount of damage to healthy tissue possible
• Since only the affected tissue is removed, Mohs is ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, lips, and noes, and also for high functioning areas like the hands and feet, because it leaves behind the smallest possible scar to ensure full use and range of motion in the area
• Mohs is convenient — there is no extensive surgery prep, and the procedure is done in one day, at one location