What to Know About Mohs Surgery: The Gold Standard for Skin Cancer Treatment

When it comes to treating skin cancer, precision matters. Mohs micrographic surgery is widely considered the gold standard for removing certain types of skin cancer, offering the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

At MDCS Dermatology, our team of board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, including Snehal Amin, MD, FACMS, FAAD, are experts in performing this highly specialized procedure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and your provider has recommended Mohs surgery, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a highly effective technique used to treat common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as some melanomas and other rare skin cancers.

What sets Mohs apart is its precision and thoroughness. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the visible cancer and then examines the tissue under a microscope layer by layer. This allows them to identify and remove any remaining cancer cells while sparing as much healthy skin as possible.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

✅ Highest Cure Rate: Mohs surgery has a cure rate of up to 99% for new skin cancers and 94% for recurrent cancers.

• Tissue-Sparing: Because the surgeon removes only the cancerous tissue, the technique helps minimize scarring and preserve healthy skin.
• Same-Day Results: The surgery and pathology evaluation happen in real-time, so you leave knowing your skin cancer is fully treated.
• Ideal for Delicate Areas: Mohs is often recommended for cancers on the face, ears, scalp, hands, or other areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Mohs surgery is performed in-office under local anesthesia. Here’s a brief overview of what happens:

1. Tumor Removal: Your surgeon will remove the visible skin cancer.
   

2. Microscopic Analysis: The removed tissue is immediately examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells.
   

3. Layer-by-Layer Removal: If cancer cells are detected at the margins, your surgeon will remove another thin layer of tissue and re-examine it.
   

4. Closure: Once all cancerous cells are removed, your surgeon will discuss the best options to close the wound for optimal healing and appearance.
   

The entire process can take a few hours but ensures that all cancerous tissue is removed before you leave.

Meet Our Mohs Specialist: Dr. Snehal Amin

At MDCS Dermatology, your skin is in expert hands. Dr. Snehal Amin, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon with extensive experience in skin cancer treatment and facial reconstruction.

Dr. Amin is recognized for his meticulous surgical skills and patient-centered approach. You can learn more about Dr. Amin and his expertise on his provider profile here.

Book Your Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or referred for Mohs surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional care, comfort, and the best possible outcomes.

Schedule your consultation today: