MOHS Micrographic Surgery
The American Academy of Dermatology explains MOHS Micrographic Surgery as a state of the art "procedure, developed by dermatologic surgeons, used to remove more complicated skin cancers (for example, on the eyelid or side of the nose), or large, invasive, recurrent tumors." " A Mohs surgeon using this technique removes multiple thin, horizontal layers of the cancer in a grid pattern," sending the samples to the lab for immediate frozen sectioning and staining. The MOHS surgeon then examines the tissue under the microscope. If he finds any cancerous cells, additional tissue is removed from the corresponding grid(s). In this manner, the surgeon continues to remove layers of tissue until he can find no more evidence of cancer.
MOHS Micrographic Surgery
- offers the highest cure rate: based on data for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas,
- preserves tissue by removing only diseased tissue
- has the lowest chance of regrowth as it follows and removes the tumor "root system" not visible to the naked eye
- minimizes the potential for scarring or disfigurement by identifying and preserving healthy tissue.
The American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines of Care state MOHS Micrographic Surgery is indicated in specific situations, such as
- High risk of recurrence
- Ill-defined clinical borders
- Rapid growth or aggressive behavior
- Tumors in immunosuppressed patients
- Areas where tissue preservation is critical for repair
More information concerning MOHS Micrographic Surgery and when it is indicated may be found at the American Academy of Dermatology Web Site.
