Why Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Has a High Success Rate

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. Early detection and treatment are essential in preventing it from spreading or becoming life-threatening.

One of the most effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is Mohs surgery. Our dermatology team at Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, recommends the procedure due to its high success rate.

Read on to learn why Mohs surgery stands out from other treatment options. 

All about Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is a highly precise and tissue-sparing technique for removing skin cancer. Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the procedure in the 1930s, it involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. 

Our surgeons perform the procedure in stages. Once a thin layer of skin is removed, they examine it under a microscope to determine if there are still signs of cancer cells. This step-by-step approach allows for the complete removal of cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The reason for Mohs surgery’s high success rate

Mohs surgery boasts a success rate of up to 99% for treating newly diagnosed skin cancers. 

Unlike traditional excision surgeries, where the surgeon removes a visible amount of healthy tissue along with the cancer, Mohs surgery boasts extraordinary precision. 

By removing skin layer by layer and examining each one, we can stop once all cancer cells are eliminated. This minimizes the risk of leaving behind any cancerous cells, which can lead to recurrence.

Mohs surgery also involves the immediate microscopic analysis of each tissue layer during the procedure. After removing each layer, our surgeons examine the tissue on-site to determine whether any cancer cells remain. If we find any cancer cells, we remove another thin layer. 

Because Mohs surgery targets only the cancerous tissue and leaves healthy tissue intact, it is especially beneficial for areas where preserving skin is critical for function and appearance, such as the face, ears, hands, and genitals. Sparing as much healthy tissue as possible results in smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes than more invasive surgical techniques.

Mohs surgery is particularly effective for treating complex skin cancers, including those that have recurred after previous treatments or cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas. Because of its precision, Mohs is ideal for cases where the cancer has irregular borders, is large, or is located in an area where you want to preserve all tissue.

Candidates for Mohs surgery

Our team usually recommends Mohs surgery for:

• Skin cancers on the face or other sensitive areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential
• Large or aggressive skin cancers that are fast-growing or difficult to treat with other methods
• Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment
• Cancers with indistinct borders

Our dermatologists evaluate your specific case and determine whether Mohs surgery is the best treatment option based on the location, type, and size of your skin cancer.

What it’s like to get Mohs surgery

We administer local anesthesia and usually complete your surgery during a single visit. We remove a thin layer of skin that contains the cancerous tissue. We immediately analyze it under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are still present, we repeat the process until no cancer cells remain.

Once the cancer has been fully removed, we will either close the wound or refer you to a plastic surgeon for reconstruction, depending on the size and location of the excised area.

Discover if Mohs surgery is for you

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery offers an effective and reliable solution. At Limmer Dermatology, our team of experienced surgeons is here to guide you through the treatment process and ensure the best possible outcome. 

Call today or use this website to request your visit. We can help you preserve your skin health.