Mohs Surgery

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure used to remove certain types of skin cancer. During treatment, thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This approach helps preserve as much healthy skin as possible while effectively treating skin cancer.

What conditions does Mohs surgery treat?

Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Certain types of melanoma
  • Recurrent skin cancers
  • Skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important, such as the face, ears, nose, scalp and hands

It may also be recommended for skin cancers that are larger, have unclear borders or are considered higher risk.

How is the surgery performed?

Mohs surgery is performed in stages. Your clinician removes a thin layer of tissue and examines it under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected, another layer is removed only from the area where cancer remains. This process continues until no cancer cells are found.

Because tissue is evaluated throughout the procedure, Mohs surgery allows clinicians to precisely target cancer while minimizing the removal of healthy skin.

What is recovery like?

Recovery varies depending on the size and location of the treatment area. Mild discomfort, swelling and redness are common during healing. Most patients can return to their normal routines shortly after treatment, although strenuous activity may be limited for a short time.

Some treatment areas heal naturally, while others may require stitches or reconstructive procedures to restore appearance and function. Reconstruction following Mohs surgery may be available when needed.

What are the benefits?

  • Removes skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue
  • Examines tissue during the procedure for greater precision
  • Helps reduce the amount of healthy skin removed
  • May minimize scarring compared to larger excisions
  • Often recommended for skin cancers in highly visible or sensitive areas
  • Combines cancer removal and tissue evaluation into one procedure

When to talk with a clinician

Schedule an evaluation if you notice:

  • A sore that doesn't heal
  • A spot that bleeds, crusts or scabs repeatedly
  • Changes in a mole or skin growth
  • A new or changing spot on your skin
  • An area of skin that becomes painful, itchy or tender

Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed and what options may be right for you.

Why choose CHRISTUS Health?

You deserve a team that focuses on both removing skin cancer and protecting your quality of life. At CHRISTUS Health, dermatology, surgical and reconstructive specialists work together to provide personalized treatment plans based on your needs.

Benefits of choosing CHRISTUS Health include:

  • Coordinated care from experienced specialists
  • Access to advanced skin cancer treatment options
  • Reconstructive services when needed after skin cancer removal
  • Personalized treatment plans focused on your health goals
  • Convenient access to care close to home

For patients who require reconstruction following skin cancer treatment, CHRISTUS specialists provide advanced reconstructive options that support both appearance and function.