https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/mohs-surgery
Mohs (pronounced "Moes") surgery, also called Mohs or Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized treatment for removing certain skin cancers.
It is the only treatment method that allows for complete evaluation of the margins (areas surrounding the visible skin cancer) while you wait in the medical office.
Mohs surgery ensures that all skin cancer cells have been removed before you leave the office.
What happens during Mohs surgery?
- The visible tumor and a thin layer of surrounding skin are removed.
- The tissue is examined under a microscope to see if any cancer cells remain at any of the edges.
- If any cancer cells remain, additional skin is removed and examined under the microscope.
- This process continues until no more cancer cells are found at the edges.
Each review of the removed skin can take approximately an hour. Because of this, it can be helpful to bring a snack or something to entertain yourself, such as a book.