What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, a technique pioneered by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs while working in the Dermatology suite of Wisconsin General Hospital. He successfully treated his first patient in 1936, and it has now transformed into a highly efficient one-day procedure for treating skin cancers. With extensive training in surgery, pathology, and reconstruction, Mohs surgeons have an impressive cure rate of up to 99% for previously untreated skin cancer. The procedure involves precisely removing the cancerous tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy skin. By surgically removing the visible tumor, color-coding and processing it in the lab, the tissue is then examined under a microscope to ensure complete removal of the cancerous cells. If the roots of the cancer extend beyond what is visible, the Mohs surgeon can target and remove only the cancerous tissue, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This approach aims to minimize scarring while maximizing the cure rate for patients.

Our double board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. Thosani, is fellowship trained by the American College of Mohs Surgeons (ACMS). This indicates that she underwent a rigorous year of training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery after finishing Dermatology training, performing thousands of Mohs surgeries and reconstructions. During her training, she also spent considerable time with Head & Neck Facial Plastic surgeons and Oculoplastic surgeons, learning and assisting in advanced reconstructive techniques.

Am I a candidate for Mohs surgery?

At Modern Dermatology, we offer consultations to evaluate your eligibility for Mohs surgery. This highly effective procedure is designed to treat various forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and other less common types.

You may be a candidate for Mohs surgery if your skin cancer is:

• Large

• Aggressive

• On a high-risk area of the body

• Recurrent

What happens during Mohs surgery?

During your initial consultation for Mohs surgery, we will thoroughly discuss the specifics of the procedure so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Once the area is numb, the cancerous lesion is removed in thin layers. Each layer is then carefully examined under a microscope to evaluate the cancer and identify any microscopic roots. Based on this evaluation, our dermatologist will determine the next steps in your procedure. The process of removing these thin layers continues until all cancerous tissue is completely eliminated, leaving behind healthy, cancer-free skin. It is important to note that the entire Mohs surgery procedure can take several hours to complete.

What happens after Mohs surgery?

After you undergo Mohs surgery, there are a few options for closing the wound. It may be stitched closed, or left open to heal. Depending on the size and location of the wound a more intricate reconstruction may be necessary using a flap or graft. In a few instances an outside specialist reconstructive surgeon will be recommended to coordinate for the patient based on Dr Thosani's recommendations, or patient preferences. Once the surgery is complete, the wound is covered with a bandage and instructions are provided for at-home care of the surgical site. If you're wondering if Mohs surgery is the right choice for you, don't hesitate to reach out to MODERN Dermatology. You can call or request an appointment with our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Thosani by calling MODERN Dermatology at (480) 712-8741 or requesting an appointment on our Contact page today.