In Health: What is Mohs Surgery and How Does It Work?

By Jennifer Brammeier, DO, FAAD and Brian Bishop, MD, MPH, FAAD | Photos by Nancy Guth

September 2023—

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally, affecting millions of people every year. While early detection and prevention are essential, when skin cancer is diagnosed, finding an effective treatment is crucial.  

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical procedure designed to remove skin cancers with unmatched precision and success rates.  Mohs surgery has become the preferred option for treating certain types of skin cancer, especially if the cancer is in a high-risk area such as on the face or neck.  

Being diagnosed with skin cancer can be challenging.  Many patients have questions like:  

• When will my life get back to normal? 
• Will my surgical team provide the best outcome and the best patient experience possible?

This is why, at Arsenault Mohs, we completely reimagined the typical Mohs experience from the ground up, creating an environment where patients are treated best.  At Arsenault Mohs our surgeons are fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, as well as completing specialized training in advanced reconstructive repair.  Patients leave their surgery day feeling confident that they are cancer-free, down to the microscopic level.  Furthermore, patients go home assured they received the best cosmetic outcome possible.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and usually begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the surgery. The surgeon then removes the visible portion of the cancerous lesion using a scalpel. However, what sets Mohs surgery apart is the careful examination of the tumor margins. 

The excised tissue is meticulously examined under a microscope. If any cancer cells are detected at the margins, the surgeon goes back and removes another thin layer of tissue from the specific area where cancer cells remain. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected in the examined tissue, indicating that the entire tumor has been successfully removed.

One of the most significant advantages of Mohs surgery is its impressive cure rates. With this technique, cure rates for most skin cancers can exceed 97%, which is notably higher than other conventional treatments. By eliminating cancer cells layer by layer, Mohs surgery ensures minimal damage to healthy surrounding tissue, leading to better cosmetic and functional outcomes compared to other treatment options.  Finally, the area is expertly closed using advanced reconstructive repair techniques.

At Arsenault Mohs, our team takes the time to fully understand each patient, personalizing the experience in a way that means the most to them.  Everything has been thoughtfully designed to protect the patient’s time and to make them as comfortable as possible.  

Our team of compassionate professionals are with the patient every step of the way.  From our modern facilities, to our state-of-the-art specimen laboratory that improves accuracy and reduces wait times, our team is confident each patient will experience Mohs surgery as never before.

Arsenault Dermatology

8926 77th Terrace East, Unit 101

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941.907.0222

www.arsenaultdermatology.com/mohs