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MOHS Surgery

Mohs surgery is the most effective and precise technique for treating skin cancer. Dr. Shah serves as both surgeon and pathologist, removing cancerous tissue and analyzing it under the microscope to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Once clear, Dr. Shah will discuss reconstructive surgical options with the patient. This technique offers the best cure rate and the best functional and aesthetic outcomes.

The procedure is done in stages, with tissue removal followed by in-house microscopic analysis to confirm clear margins. The entire process, including any necessary Plastic Surgery reconstruction, is completed in a single visit by Dr. Shah. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the size, and the location, the procedure may take several hours. We encourage all patients to follow their pre- and post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a smooth process and recovery.

Advantages: 

  • High cure rates: Mohs surgery has a very high cure rate, typically over 99% for basal cell carcinoma and over 97% for squamous cell carcinoma. 
  • Preservation of healthy tissue: By removing only the necessary tissue, Mohs surgery minimizes damage to surrounding healthy skin. 
  • Precise removal: The microscope allows the surgeon to accurately identify and remove all cancerous cells. 
  • Suitable for delicate areas: Mohs surgery is well-suited for treating skin cancers in sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and eyelids. 

Procedure:

    1. Anesthesia: The surgical area is numbed with local anesthetic. 
    2. Tissue Removal: The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue (margin) around the cancerous area.
    3. Examination: The tissue is examined under a microscope to identify any remaining cancer cells.
    4. Mapping: The surgeon creates a map of the cancerous areas based on the microscopic findings.
    5. Repeat Steps: If cancer cells are found, the surgeon removes another thin layer of tissue in the affected areas. This process is repeated until all cancer cells are removed. 
    6. Closure: The surgical defect is closed using sutures, flaps, or grafts.