Mohs Surgery Specialist

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a highly-effective surgical technique used to remove the least possible amount of tissue while completely excising skin cancer lesions. This advanced micrographic procedure reduces damage to healthy surrounding tissue and also minimizes scarring. Developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, the procedure is now practiced throughout the world. It entails meticulously removing cancerous tissue one thin layer at a time, and examining it under a microscope, so that all roots and branches of the cancer are excised underneath the skin, similar to removing the the roots of a tree.

What are the Advantages of Mohs Surgery

The advantages of this surgery include:

• Ensuring the complete removal of cancer cells, virtually eliminating the chance of cancer growing back
• Minimizing the amount of healthy tissue lost
• Offers the best cosmetic outcome, including reduced scarring
• Curing skin cancer when other methods have failed

What Types of Skin Cancer Can Be Treated With Mohs Surgery?

Moh’s surgery has an unparalleled 98% cure rate for basal cell carcinoma and sqauamous cancers, the two most common types of skin cancers. More recently, the surgery has also been used to treat certain melanomas.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Mohs surgery as an outpatient procedure performed with the use of a local anesthetic to numb the skin. During the procedure, the abnormal tissue or lesion is removed bit by bit, to include all the visible edges. The tissue is carefully mapped and color-coded and then examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed and examined until the final tissue sample studied is cancer free, also called “margins clear.” With this precise process, Dr. Rashid expunges all cancer cells while preserving as much of the healthy surrounding tissue as possible. Microscopic evaluations of excised tissue are performed on site and completed in a single visit.

Can Any Dermatologist Perform Mohs Surgery?

No. Mohs surgery is a highly-specialized technique, that can only be performed by dermatologists who have undergone advanced training in Mohs micrographic surgery.

How Should I Prepare for My Mohs Surgery?

• Plan to stay the entire day at our office, as we don't know how long it will take to fully clear the cancer
• Eat breakfast on the morning of your surgery
• Take any regularly used medications in the morning, and also bring them along since you may be in the office for an extended period of time
• We will provide snacks, coffee and soda throughout the day

What Does Aftercare Entail?

• Avoid physical activity (no yard work, working out, etc.) to avoid bleeding, infection, or poor cosmetic outcomes
• Follow post-operative wound care written in the instructions given to you

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give Dr. Rashid a call - she is always here to help.

To learn more about Moh's Surgery, click here to visit the American Society for Moh's Surgery.