Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised technique used for selected skin cancers. The surgeon removes the visible tumour and a thin layer of surrounding tissue. That tissue is mapped and examined under a microscope during the procedure.
If cancer cells remain at an edge, only the corresponding area is removed and checked again. This continues until no cancer cells are seen at the examined edges. The method has a high cure rate while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs surgery consultations and procedures are provided at our main centre in Remuera, Auckland.
When may Mohs surgery be considered?
Mohs is most often used for selected basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. It may also be appropriate for some less common skin cancers. A specialist assessment is required to decide whether it is suitable.
- the cancer is large or has aggressive features;
- it has returned after previous treatment;
- it is in an area where preserving healthy tissue is especially important, such as the eyelid, nose, ear, scalp, hand or foot;
- its edges are difficult to define; or
- it was not completely removed by an earlier procedure.
What happens on the day?
Most patients remain awake under local anaesthesia. The exact duration varies because each layer must be processed and examined before the next step is decided.
Once the cancer is clear, the wound may be left to heal, closed with stitches, or repaired with a flap or graft. Larger or more complex wounds may be referred to another surgeon for repair.
Benefits of Mohs surgery
- It has a high cure rate for selected skin cancers.
- It removes as little healthy tissue as possible.
- The tissue edges are checked during the procedure.
Risks and recovery
- The final wound may be larger than expected because the visible lesion does not always show the cancer’s full extent.
- A scar will remain. The surgeon aims to limit scarring, but complete cancer removal is the primary goal.
Other risks depend on the tumour’s size and location and the repair required. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure, repair options, risks and expected recovery with you.