Question 1

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the treatments for skin cancer. Surgically removing the cancerous lesion is the primary treatment for skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery differs from traditional excisional procedures in that it’s done in stages.
For Mohs surgery, your surgeon at Central Utah Dermatology cuts out the visible skin cancer lesion and then a thin layer of the surrounding skin. The surgeon then examines the skin under a microscope, looking for cancer cells. They continue to remove and examine thin layers of skin until they reach the cancer-free layer.

Question 2

What types of skin cancer can Mohs micrographic surgery treat?

Accepted Answer

Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. It’s primarily used to remove basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that are:
 • Aggressive 
 • Large 
 • In sensitive areas (eyelid, nose, ears, or genitals)
 • Recurring 
The team at Central Utah Dermatology may also recommend Mohs micrographic surgery if you have early stage melanoma that hasn’t spread to other areas of the body.

Question 3

What happens during Mohs micrographic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Your provider at Central Utah Dermatology explains in detail what you can expect during your Mohs micrographic surgery. First, your Mohs surgeon evaluates the lesion, cleans the area with an antiseptic agent, and administers a local anesthetic.
Then, they take out the lesion and the thin layer of surrounding skin. Your surgeon bandages your wound and evaluates the excised tissue under a microscope. If they find cancer cells, they repeat the process until they reach the layer without any cancerous cells.
Your surgeon covers your wound with a bandage or uses stitches to close it.
You remain awake during your Mohs micrographic surgery. Because it’s done in stages, it can take several hours.

Question 4

What are the benefits of Mohs micrographic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer and has a high cure rate. Some of the benefits include:
 • Ensuring complete removal of skin cancer 
 • Minimizing damage to healthy tissue
 • Maximizing functional and cosmetic outcomes
 • Repairing the site of the cancer the same day (in most cases)
 • Curing cancer when other methods fail
Mohs micrographic surgery is so effective because each layer of tissue is microscopically examined. 
To find out if Mohs micrographic surgery is right for you, call the nearest Central Utah Dermatology office or book a visit online today.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery