MOHS
What is MOHS Micrographic Surgery?
MOHS is a method to remove and eliminate various tumors from any area of the body. By precise staining, freezing and orientation of the tissue, the surgeon can completely excise lesions with upwards of 99.5% accuracy.
MOHS Micrographic Surgery was developed by Dr Frederick Mohs at the University of Wisconsin. There are two forms: the cryosurgical (which I perform) and chemosurgical - an entirely different process which takes days to complete.
The MOHS procedure allows us to obtain the best results of complete removal of various skin cancers with only a .5 percent re-occurrence rate. Precise removal of the lesions and microscopic analysis results in the smallest possible defect, which means the smallest possible area to repair and thus the least amount of scarring. MOHS therefore enhances ideal healing.
I see about 3,000 skin cancer cases a year, as well as select dermatology patients. I perform the MOHS technique on multiple patients each day.
We are fortunate in having a full-time plastic surgeon on site. However, in addition to the MOHS surgery, I also perform about 20 percent of the closures and repair of defects left behind.
I’m often asked about heartbreaking cases. The most heartbreaking cases often involve young women with large skin cancers on the face or melanomas in any area of the body. These are due to neglect and persistent ultraviolet light exposure. We seldom use the MOHS method for melanoma, due to the higher potential for false positives, but it can be quite effective for in-situ melanoma.