Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used for the treatment and removal of skin cancers. The Mohs procedure is named for Frederic E. Mohs, MD, a general surgeon who developed the technique in 1938 in Wisconsin. Mohs surgery implements complete pathological margin evaluation the day of surgery to provide the highest cure and minimal tissue removal. Since just the necessary amount of tissue is removed to cure the skin cancer, this allows for the best long term cosmetic and functional outcomes. The Mohs Surgeons at the University of New Mexico are board certified dermatologists who completed advanced training at a fellowship sponsored by the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Accrediation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

 Advantages of Mohs Surgery

• Immediate histologic interpretation to confirm the cancer has been completely excised
• Strongest cure rates for skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma (the most common forms of skin cancer)
• Minimizing the amount of tissue removed to optimize the long term functional and cosmetic results.

Indications for Mohs Surgery

• Skin cancers on the head and neck area
• Recurrent skin cancers
• Large skin cancers
• Ill defined skin cancers