Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The most effective and precise surgical technique for curing more severe types of skin cancer

In this highly specialised procedure, difficult or recurrent skin cancers are removed and evaluated using microscopic control and careful mapping techniques. The major advantage of Mohs surgery over other methods of surgery is that, because of microscopic control and the step-wise process, the tumour can be removed with the maximum cure rate (98%), with the smallest possible hole and, therefore, the least possible scar.

The procedure

The cancerous lesion is removed in layers, which are immediately colour coded, mapped and microscopically examined. It is then determined whether any more tissue needs to be taken and, if so, from where. If necessary, further layers of skin are then removed, mapped and microscopically examined. This step-wise procedure continues until the cancer is gone.

The healing process

The hole produced from removal of the cancer is then repaired in the appropriate manner - with either a skin graft or skin flap - to reduce the degree of scarring.