Mohs Surgery Experts
With over 25,000 successful Mohs surgeries performed, our team excels in the early detection and removal of basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma skin cancers. We go beyond skin screenings by offering comprehensive skin cancer examinations, ensuring even the smallest signs of concern are addressed early. Our expertise in Mohs surgery and cancer prevention makes us a leader in dermatological care across Tucson.
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What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is the most advanced and precise method for treating specific types of skin cancer, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. This technique combines the surgical removal of cancerous tissue with immediate microscopic examination to ensure the complete eradication of cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Each layer of skin is removed and analyzed until clear margins are confirmed, leading to a cure rate of up to 99% for certain cancers.
What to Expect During Treatment
During Mohs surgery, the targeted area is numbed, and the visible tumor is removed. The underlying tissue is then examined layer by layer until no cancerous cells remain. This process typically requires four to five hours, during which patients can read or use a laptop. Post-surgery, the size of the removed area will determine the necessary follow-up treatment, which may include stitches, a skin graft, or a flap.
Types of Skin Cancer Treated
Mohs surgery is highly effective for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, especially for recurring cancers, large tumors, or those in delicate areas such as the face. It is ideal for cancers where clear margins are difficult to define or where preserving healthy tissue is crucial for cosmetic and functional outcomes.
History and Development
Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs and refined in the 1970s and 1980s by pioneers like Dr. Perry Robins, Mohs surgery involves staged tissue removal with on-site lab testing. This distinguishes it from routine excisional surgery, ensuring a meticulous approach to skin cancer removal. Ideal Candidates for Mohs Surgery Mohs surgery is recommended for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers, including those on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet, and genitals, as well as cancers with unclear borders or those that have recurred after initial treatment. It is also suitable for skin cancers in scar tissue or areas previously treated with radiation. Mohs surgery is recommended for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers, including those on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet, and genitals, as well as cancers with unclear borders or those that have recurred after initial treatment. It is also suitable for skin cancers in scar tissue or areas previously treated with radiation.
Expected Results
Mohs micrographic surgery boasts the highest cure rates for basal and squamous cell skin cancers, with a success rate exceeding 99% for new cancers and 95% for recurrent cases, according to the American College of Mohs Surgery.