Over 50 years ago, Dr. Frederic Mohs developed a technique (known then as chemosurgery) for the microscopically controlled removal of skin cancers. Mohs surgery is done under local anesthesia and rarely requires hospitalization. Mohs micrographic surgery does require highly specialized training and personnel, and is usually available only in larger cities. It is a time consuming technique, but as is demonstrated by the very high cure rate, (99% of first time skin cancers, and 95%-97% of skin cancers that have come back), it is well worth the trouble. President Reagan and President Bush, Sr. have both had their skin cancers treated by Mohs surgery.

Mohs surgery allows us to see skin cancers in 3D under the microscope making sure we remove all the cancer.

The information below attempts to answer some of the questions you may have as a patient. We expect and welcome further questions about the surgery.

Cancer is tissue that grows at an uncontrollable and unpredictable rate. The types that we treat with Mohs surgery are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and, other skin cancers. Skin cancer begins at the surface of the skin and grows roots downward. What can be seen of the cancer on the surface is usually only the “tip of the iceberg.”