Understanding Mohs Surgery: What Our Specialists Want You to Know

Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but finding the right treatment can make all the difference. If you are dealing with basal or squamous cell carcinoma, you want a solution that completely removes the cancer while keeping your skin looking its best.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, Dr. Robert Topham and our experienced team help patients navigate their skin health with advanced care. While we evaluate and treat atypical moles and other skin concerns, we want our patients to understand the gold standard of skin cancer treatment: Mohs micrographic surgery.

What is Mohs surgery?

 Mohs surgery is a highly precise, tissue-sparing surgical technique used to treat high-risk skin cancers by removing them layer by layer. This procedure allows surgeons to microscopically examine 100 percent of tissue margins in real time, ensuring complete cancer removal while minimizing cosmetic damage.

According to the Cleveland Clinic (2022), Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate of all treatments for basal and squamous cell skin cancers, reaching up to 99 percent for new cases. This incredible accuracy makes it the preferred choice for treating skin cancers on sensitive areas like the face.

How does the procedure work?

The procedure works through a methodical, step-by-step process performed entirely in a single visit. First, the surgeon numbs the area and removes the visible tumor along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue.

Next, the surgeon freezes and cuts this tissue into ultra-thin slices to examine them under a microscope. As noted by the MD Anderson Cancer Center (2024), conventional excisions typically evaluate only about 5 percent of a tumor's margins, whereas this specialized technique assesses 100 percent of the tissue's edges. If any cancer cells remain, the surgeon removes another thin layer only where the cancer was found, repeating the process until the margins are completely clear.

Debunking a common myth about Mohs surgery 

A common myth is that Mohs surgery is an agonizing operation that requires patients to be put completely to sleep under general anesthesia. In reality, the procedure is highly manageable and performed in a comfortable outpatient setting.

 According to the Mayo Clinic (2024), the surgery is performed using only a local anesthetic, meaning you remain fully awake while the targeted area is simply numbed. This approach minimizes risks and allows for a much faster recovery.

Protecting your skin starts with staying informed and getting regular skin checks. If you have concerns about a changing spot or need to schedule an evaluation, we are here to guide you. Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our team.