Procedure
The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove the entire cancerous area. To ensure all cancer is removed, Mohs surgery is performed in stages.
- The Mohs surgeon anesthetizes the area and surgically removes the visible tumor.
- The skin specimen is divided into sections and mapped to the surgical site.
- After the lab processes the tissue, the Mohs surgeon microscopically examines its entire undersurface and edges.
- If cancer cells remain, the affected tissue will be precisely removed from the surgical site. Multiple stages may be required to remove the cancer roots completely.
- When there is no evidence of residual cancer, the Mohs surgeon will discuss options for reconstruction of the surgical defect.