Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a precision surgical technique that is used for the targeted removal of cancerous tissue in order to spare healthy tissue. Performed by specially-trained Mohs surgeons, such as Dr. Sadeghi, the Mohs procedure is the most advanced and effective treatment for skin cancer available today. Originally developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, the Mohs procedure is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been continuously refined and improved. 

With this technique, Mohs surgeons can see beyond the visible disease to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, one layer at a time, until no cancer cells are left in the affected area. The precise process of removing the tumor layer by layer allows Dr. Sadeghi to leave the surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed. As the most exact method of cancerous tissue removal, the Mohs technique minimizes the chance of re-growth, and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement. The precise Mohs procedure is highly effective for treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers of the face, hands, neck, feet, lower legs, genitals, and other sensitive areas where tissue preservation is a high priority. 

Mohs surgery is the recommended treatment for cancers in sensitive or complicated areas such as the face, neck, and genitals, and in areas with a high risk of recurrence such as the feet, ankles, shins, and hands. The Mohs technique relies on the accuracy of a microscopic surgical procedure to trace the edges of the cancer and ensure complete removal of all tumors down to the roots during the initial surgery.

Not all dermatologists are trained in performing Mohs Surgery, so it is especially important to select a fellowship-trained, Mohs certified surgeon to ensure you get the best and safest results for your treatment.

When you choose a fellowship-trained, certified Mohs surgeon, you can be sure that your physician has the proper training and background to perform this high precision and labor intensive surgical procedure. In addition to the traditional dermatology residency, members of the American College of Mohs Surgery like Dr. Sadeghi have completed an additional year of training specifically in the Mohs surgery technique.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is an outpatient procedure performed by Dr. Sadeghi in office. The patient is administered local anesthesia around the area of the tumor, so they are awake during the entire procedure. We start the surgery early in the morning and typically complete it the same day, depending on the size of the cancerous tissue and the amount of reconstruction necessary.

Dr. Sadeghi is trained in reconstructive procedures, and will repair surgical wounds in the most efficient way possible, to provide optimal healing time and cosmetic results. When the affected area is declared cancer-free, Dr. Sadeghi will discuss post-surgical options with the patient, based on the following:

• A small, simple wound may heal by itself.
• A slightly larger wound may be closed with stitches.
• Larger wounds may require a skin graft or a flap.
• If the tumor has invaded areas such the eyelid or the cartilage of the nose, an oculoplastics or ENT surgeon may be called upon to assist with reconstruction.