Over 2 million new cases of skin cancer are reported in the United States each year. Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanomas and affect the basal or squamous cells. Melanoma skin cancers start in the melanocytes and are much more dangerous than non-melanomas.
Both types of skin cancers have a high rate of cure if they are detected and treated early enough. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for basal and squamaous cell skin cancers. Studies have shown that Mohs surgery has a cure rate of over 99% for initial cancers and 95% for recurrent cancers. Mohs surgery can also be used to treat melanomas in certain situations.
One of the most important considerations in treating skin cancer is the removal of the entire tumor which is usually not completely visible to the naked eye. When the tumor is on the face or other exposed area of the body, the goal is to remove all of the tumor while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue to minimize unsightly scarring.
Mohs surgery is a microscopic surgery that removes all of the cancerous tissue while ensuring the maximum amount of healthy tissue is retained. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.
For skin cancers on the face, the best aesthetic outcomes are often achieved by using a Mohs surgical team that includes a Mohs surgeon and a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in Mohs surgery. The Mohs surgeon will remove the tumor and the facial plastic surgeon will close the wound which results in the highest possible cure rate and minimal visible scarring.