MOHS Surgery Skin Cancer Removal

What is MOHS Surgery?

The procedure involves cutting out the infected area and then some. The infected patch of skin is then frozen and cut into sections of skin that are then stained with special dyes. The frozen pieces of skin are further examined under the microscope in which a tumor map is drawn by the Mohs surgeon. The freezing process allows an immediate examination of the entire tumor margin and tissue histology (microscopic examination of cells).

If more cancer cells or "roots" are seen under the microscope, then another skin layer is removed and again examined. This procedure is repeated through out the surgery. By removing only tissue where cancer is known to be present, the technique combines a very high cure rate with good preservation of normal skin. Once the cancer has been fully removed, the Mohs surgeon looks at the best method of covering the open wound. This cutting-edge treatment requires highly specialized physicians that serve as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon.

At Miami Dermatology Center Dr. Susana Leal-Khouri, MD is the only woman fellowshipped in MOHS SURGERY in Florida.

When will I need MOHS Surgery?

Mohs Surgery is appropriate when there is a recurrence of Skin Cancer, when the Skin Cancer has grown large where there is a need to preserve healthy tissue or for cosmestic purposes such as the face, eye lids, nose, lips and ears or if the Cancer is spreading.

Is MOHS Surgery the best option?

Mohs Surgery is one of the latest procedures with the highest possible cure rate for Skin Cancer removal to date. It is the most effective procedure for Skin Cancer.

Will I have pain?

There is some slight discomfort as with all surgeries but this is easily treated with Tylenol if any case, pain killers may be prescribed.

Will I have a scar?

When cancer is removed via MOHS Surgery, surgeons will consider the best possible solution to minimalize your surgical scar. Most patients heal considerably well after surgery.