Navigating Skin Cancer A Comprehensive Guide to Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is the most effective method for treating certain types of skin cancer. The procedure has a cure rate of close to 99% when the cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Our Boise Dermatologist, Dr. Heather Layher, the fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon at Idaho Dermatology Mohs Collective, performs Mohs surgery for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Mohs Surgery Procedure

Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure for safely and effectively removing cancer cells from the skin without damaging healthy skin cells. In the past, surgical procedures for treating skin cancer involved removing both malignant and healthy skin cells to ensure all the cancer was eliminated. Mohs surgery has made it possible to identify and remove only the cancerous cells while preserving the surrounding healthy skin tissue.

More healthy skin tissue can be preserved with Mohs surgery thanks to the use of a micrographic technique. The surgeon first maps out the area where cancer is present, then carefully removes a small area of skin. The skin sample is examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells by the Mohs surgeon. The doctor continues to remove small samples of skin, examining each one under a microscope, as long as cancer cells are still present.

Removing only small areas of skin at a time prevents healthy skin tissue from being damaged or removed. Examining each sample under the microscope ensures all of the cancer is removed. After all malignant cells are gone, the area is stitched closed. A skin graft or flap might be necessary to close larger treatment areas.

At our dermatology practice in Boise, ID, Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Patients remain awake during the procedure and return home the same day. It could take a few weeks for the treatment area to heal completely, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days. For aftercare we also manage the scar as well to ensure the best surgical and aesthetic outcome is achieved.

Benefits and Advantages of Mohs Surgery

There are several advantages to selecting Mohs surgery for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers. Some of the many exciting benefits of this method include:

• The cure rate is nearly 99% when skin cancer is caught and treated early
• Preserves more healthy skin tissue than other surgical methods
• Performed as an outpatient procedure
• Short recovery time
• Minimal scarring
• No general anesthesia

Mohs surgery utilizes an advanced micrographic technique to successfully treat skin cancer and preserve healthy tissue. Seek a fellowship trained and board certified Mohs Surgeon for your care. Schedule a consultation with our Boise, ID, dermatologist, Dr. Layher, to learn more about treating skin cancer with Mohs surgery by calling Idaho Dermatology Mohs Collective at (208) 600-1330.