THE MOHS PROCEDURE

First, the cancer obvious to the naked eye is removed, and then a thin layer of skin is removed from around the site.  The tissue specimen is mapped and immediately processed in our on-site laboratory.  Patients are bandaged and permitted to relax in the reception areas during this process.  Your Mohs surgeon will microscopically examine the specimen to identify and map any persistent cancer.  Patients with persistent cancer have the procedure immediately repeated, as required, until the cancer is completely removed.  The area where the cancer was removed is then repaired using techniques developed to give the best cosmetic and functional outcome.  In some cases, the wound is allowed to heal naturally; in others the patient is referred to specialists for final wound repair.  In each case, the Mohs surgeon will advise the patient on the best option to pursue.