Mohs Surgery
Trusted Care for Your Skin
Dr. Cynthia Abban
Mohs surgery, or Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized, highly precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer by removing it in thin layers and examining them under a microscope in real time.
Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, this procedure is considered the "gold standard" for treating the most common skin cancers—basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It is unique because the surgeon acts as both the surgeon and the pathologist, examining 100% of the surgical margins during the appointment. Dr. Cynthia Abban specializes in Mohs surgery at MCS Dermatology and achieves outstanding results with this technique.
Benefits
- Highest Cure Rates: Success rates reach up to 99% for primary (new) skin cancers and roughly 94-95% for recurrent cancers.
- Maximum Tissue Preservation: By removing only the cancerous cells, surgeons spare as much healthy skin as possible, which is critical for sensitive areas like the face, ears, and hands.
- Minimized Scarring: Preserving healthy tissue often results in smaller wounds and better cosmetic outcomes.
- Same-Day Results: The entire process, including lab analysis, happens in one outpatient visit, giving patients immediate peace of mind that the cancer is gone.
- Local Anesthesia: The procedure is performed while the patient is awake, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with general anesthesia.
The Process
The procedure is performed in stages and can take several hours depending on the tumor's depth.
- Preparation & Numbing: The area is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected to completely numb the site.
- Tissue Removal: The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue.
- Mapping & Lab Analysis: The tissue is color-coded and mapped to its exact location on the body. While the patient waits with a temporary bandage, a technician freezes and slices the tissue into slides.
- Microscopic Examination: The surgeon examines the slides. If cancer cells are seen at any margin, the surgeon returns to the patient to remove another thin layer only from the specific area where the cancer remains.
- Repetition: This cycle repeats until the last tissue sample is entirely clear of cancer.
- Reconstruction: Once clear, the surgeon discusses repair options, which may include stitches, a skin graft, or allowing the wound to heal naturally.
Expert Care. Personalized Results.
