Mohs: A higher cure rate for skin cancer

Mohs micrographic surgery is state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon.

It relies on the precision and accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer — down to its roots. In the operating room, your Mercyhealth surgeon will carefully excise small areas of tissue at a time. Then he or she will examine the small portion under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. If the sample shows malignant skins cells, the surgeon will continue removing tissue; if the sample is benign, the affected area is clear, and the surgeon ends the procedure. Because the surgeon selects tissue carefully, there is less scarring than traditional surgery.

Of all treatments for skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery:

• Offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%)
• Offers the lowest incidence of cancer regrowth
• Minimizes the potential for scarring or disfigurement
• Is the most exact and precise means of skin cancer removal