4 Benefits of Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer

Hearing you have skin cancer is alarming, but many skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when found early. One of the most precise and effective treatments for skin cancer is Mohs surgery.

This specialized procedure removes the cancerous tissue layer by layer, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. By examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure, Mohs surgery ensures that all cancer is removed before surgery is completed. 

Because of its high cure rate and tissue-sparing approach, Mohs is often recommended for cancers on more visible or delicate areas such as the face, ears, and hands.

At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our team of board-certified dermatologists includes surgeons with advanced training in Mohs surgery. Here are four benefits of this highly effective surgery.

1. Exceptionally high cure rate

One of the greatest advantages of Mohs surgery is its impressive cure rate, up to 99% for newly diagnosed skin cancer growths and 95% for recurrent skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed every day. While this number is high, early detection and proper treatment lead to excellent outcomes. 

During Mohs surgery, our surgeons meticulously remove cancerous tissue one layer at a time. Each layer is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This careful, step-by-step approach allows surgeons to remove all cancerous tissue while minimizing risk of recurrence. 

2. Preserves healthy skin

Traditional surgical methods for skin cancer often remove a margin of healthy skin around the growth to ensure no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery takes a more targeted approach.

Because each layer is examined during the procedure, our surgeon removes only the tissue that contains the cancer cells. This technique helps preserve as much healthy skin as possible.

This tissue-sparing benefit is especially important when skin cancer occurs in highly visible or sensitive areas such as the face, ears, eyelids, or nose. Preserving healthy tissue can help minimize scarring and maintain normal function. 

3. Immediate results

Another advantage of Mohs surgery is that results are available during the procedure itself.

Our surgeon examines each layer of skin under a microscope immediately after removal to look for cancer cells. The process continues until they confirm that only healthy tissue remains.  

With many other procedures, removed tissue is sent to a lab for evaluation, and you may wait days or even weeks for results. With Mohs surgery there’s no waiting period, giving you peace of mind before you leave the office.

4. Low-risk procedure

Mohs surgery is done at the office using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. The procedure typically takes several hours because of the careful examination process in between each excision. 

Despite the time involved, Mohs surgery is considered safe and well-tolerated. Most people can drive themselves home afterward and resume normal activities within a day. Our surgeon explains post-procedure recovery plans beforehand so you can prepare.

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for the most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. We may also use Mohs surgery to remove specific forms of melanoma, particularly those that affect the head or neck.

If you have concerns about skin cancer and need expert care, our experienced Mohs surgeons can help. 

We provide comprehensive dermatology care at our offices in Blaine, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Fridley, Maple Grove, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Call us today to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient to you.