Mohs surgery was developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs as a more precise method for skin cancer removal in the late 1930s. Over the years, surgeons have embraced Mohs surgery as a highly effective technique for removing skin cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, studies show Mohs surgery has a 98% or higher success rate for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal of Mohs surgery is to map the removal of the skin cancer to maximize preservation of normal tissue. Mohs surgeons inspect the entire specimen removed microscopically to verify that all cancer cells have been removed at the time of surgery. This ensures that all margins of the skin cancer are removed at the time of surgery while preserving the healthy skin around the skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, we partner with your dermatologist to ensure the best aesthetic outcomes. This begins with a detailed evaluation to help you understand the potential impacts of undergoing surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your dermatologist conducts the Mohs excision surgery to remove all cancerous cells, and then our surgeons provide reconstruction of the open would to try and achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome. This can involve a series of multi-stage reconstructive procedures, such as flaps or grafts, to achieve aesthetically pleasing results. The surgeon may use surrounding tissue, known as a local flap, to close any exposed areas. In some cases, additional surgery may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reconstructive surgery typically takes place the day after the Mohs surgery, but this may vary for each patient and would be scheduled accordingly. Since it is hard to predict how deep the cancer cells go or how involved the reconstruction needs will be, we recommend that patients plan to be available the whole day for the Mohs surgery and the next day for the reconstructive surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n