Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer with the highest possible cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It is considered the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), particularly those located on the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, hands, or other cosmetically and functionally important areas.
Unlike traditional surgical excision, Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope while the patient waits, allowing the surgeon to determine whether cancer cells remain. This process continues until all cancer has been removed, ensuring complete treatment while minimizing the removal of healthy surrounding tissue.
What to Expect During Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is performed in the office using local anesthesia and is completed in stages.
The procedure includes:
- Local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Removal of a thin layer of visible skin cancer
- Immediate microscopic examination of the tissue margins
- Additional tissue removal only if cancer cells remain
- Reconstruction of the surgical site once all cancer has been removed
Because the tissue is examined during the procedure, Mohs surgery offers the greatest certainty that all cancer has been removed before reconstruction begins. Depending on the size and complexity of the skin cancer, the procedure may take several hours.
Mohs surgery is commonly recommended for:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Recurrent skin cancers
- Large or aggressive skin cancers
- Skin cancers located in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery offers several important advantages:
- The highest cure rates for many common skin cancers
- Maximum preservation of healthy surrounding tissue
- Complete microscopic examination of surgical margins
- Lower risk of cancer recurrence
- Smaller surgical defects compared with traditional excision
- Excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes whenever possible
Because healthy tissue is preserved, Mohs surgery is particularly valuable in areas where maintaining normal appearance and function is essential.
Clear Choice Dermatology Can Help
Clear Choice Dermatology provides comprehensive skin cancer evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, including Mohs micrographic surgery for appropriate patients. Our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons use advanced techniques to remove skin cancer with exceptional precision while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible. Following treatment, we also provide reconstructive care, ongoing skin cancer surveillance, and education to help reduce the risk of future skin cancers.
Our Locations
Clear Choice Dermatology proudly serves patients across the Pacific Northwest with locations in Gearhart, Federal Way, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Longview, Port Angeles, Salem, Sandy, Silverdale, Tacoma, The Dalles, Warrenton, and Woodburn in Oregon and Washington, as well as through our affiliated care at Klickitat Valley Health.
Takeaway
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise and effective treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. By examining 100% of the surgical margins during the procedure, Mohs surgery achieves outstanding cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. At Clear Choice Dermatology, our experienced providers are committed to delivering expert skin cancer care with a focus on both successful treatment and optimal cosmetic outcomes.