Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

by Deanna M. Neff, MPH

Definition

This procedure is used to remove skin cancer that affects the face and other sensitive areas. The cancer is removed layer by layer. The tissue is examined under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is most often used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas and other more rare skin cancers that:

Appear on the face (including the eye lids and lips), scalp, ears, neck, shins, hands, fingers, feet, toes, and genitals
Were previously treated and came back
Occur near scar tissue
Are large
Have poorly-defined edges
Are growing rapidly

This surgery is an effective and precise way to treat basal and squamous cell skin cancers. It offers a good chance for complete removal of the cancer, while sparing normal tissue.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Bleeding
Scarring
Reaction to the local anesthesia
Infection
Damage to nerve endings (temporary or permanent numbness or weakness)
Itching or shooting-pain sensations

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complication, such as:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

In the time leading up to the procedure:

Discuss with your doctor any allergies or medical problems that you have.
Talk to your doctor if you take any medicines, herbs, or supplements. You may need to stop taking some medicines up to 1 week before the procedure.
Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.
Eat normally the day of the procedure.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used. You will not feel pain, but you will be awake during the procedure.

Description of Procedure

The area will be cleansed with antiseptic. A local anesthetic will be injected into the area. Using a small scalpel, the top visible portion of the cancer will be removed. Next, another, deeper layer will be removed. The layer will be divided into sections and examined under a microscope. Each section of the removed layer will be color coded. This will allow the doctor to know exactly where the layer was in the skin.

These sections will be frozen and examined under a microscope for remaining cancer cells. If cancer is found at the edges of the removed layer, the doctor will go back to the precise area where that section was removed. Additional layers will be removed and examined under a microscope until all areas are cancer free. For larger wound areas, the wound will be closed with stitches, a skin flap, or a skin graft procedure. Small, shallow wounds may heal without stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

You will have to wait while the tissue is examined under a microscope, which can take 30 minutes or more. In some cases, this procedure can last for several hours.

How Much Will It Hurt?

You should have minimal discomfort during the procedure. There will be some minor pain during recovery. You may be given pain medicine.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
Not allowing others to touch your incisions

After the procedure, you may be given pain medicine and an antibiotic. You will be able to leave the same day.

At Home

Keep in mind that it is normal for a scar to form. The appearance may improve over time. The doctor will monitor your condition. You and your doctor will talk about prevention steps that include regular follow-up appointments and protecting your skin in the sun.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Bleeding or other drainage
Increased pain at the incision site
Redness, warmth, tenderness, or swelling at the incision site
Signs of infection, including fever and chills

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American College of Mohs Surgery
https://www.mohscollege.org

American Society for Mohs Surgery
https://www.mohssurgery.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Mohs Surgeons
http://www.mohssurgery.ca

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca

References:

Mohs surgery. Encyclopedia of Surgery website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 5, 2018.

Mohs surgery step by step. Skin Cancer website. Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/mohs-surgery/step-by-step. Accessed March 5, 2018.

Special surgical techniques. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/surgery/special-surgical-techniques.html. Updated April 19, 2016. Accessed March 5, 2018.

6/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillancehttp://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH
Last Updated: 9/3/2021

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