ORAH DERMATOLOGY
Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized type of cancer treatment used to treat skin cancer and is aimed to maximize the cure rate while cutting smaller amounts of skin.
The Mohs surgeon uniquely removes your visibly apparent skin cancer to maintain proper orientation. This piece of tissue is processed with color-coding ink and placed on glass slides for the Mohs surgeon to examine under the microscope. The Mohs surgeon analyzes the entire peripheral and deep border of the tissue to ensure the highest cure rate. If cancerous cells are identified, they are annotated on a “Mohs map,” which the Mohs surgeon refers to when he removes more cancerous tissue.
The Mohs surgeon returns to the patient and removes a second cut of tissue based on his “mohs map.” This tissue is then processed similarly, and the Mohs surgeon analyzes the second stage of tissue. This process continues until no more cancerous cells are identified.
Once no more cancerous cells are identified, the Mohs surgeon will repair the surgical defect with the goal of restoring the function and cosmetic appearance of the surgical site in the most optimal manner.
Mohs surgery may be necessary for the following:
- Skin cancer in sensitive parts of the skin, such as the face and hands
- Large skin cancer
- Skin cancer that has ill-defined borders
- Skin cancer that has not responded to treatment as expected or has recurred after treatment
- Skin cancer that is aggressive and has a high risk of returning after trying to remove it
During the procedure, your surgeon will remove and analyze the cancerous tissue in the lab. He will continue to remove more tissue until he’s sure he has removed all cancerous cells.
During surgery, you’ll be awake but will not feel pain. The surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing your skin cancer. While the Mohs surgeon analyzes the tissue, your surgical site will be covered with a bandage. Once the area is free of cancer, the Mohs surgeon will discuss the options to repair the surgical site and proceed to do so.
After the procedure, you will be given a bandage to cover the area. You may also receive antibiotics to prevent infection and instructions for follow-up care.
If you have stitches in your skin, they will likely need to be removed in 1-2 weeks.
Patients return home the same day as their procedure. Like all surgeries, risks include pain, bleeding, infection, and scarring. During your consultation, the Mohs surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of Mohs surgery. Doctor Joshua D. Fox has undergone specialized training in this technique and is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
Dr. Joshua D. Fox, MD
Doctor Fox is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon who has undergone specialized training in Mohs surgery. He also has served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, International Wound Journal, and others.
Our Process
Before & After - Eyebrow Surgery
Before & After - Chin Surgery
