Mohs Surgery
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and melanoma. The most effective surgical technique for treating these types of skin cancer is Mohs surgery. However, Mohs surgery is not limited to treating just these types of skin cancer. It is also successful in treating the following areas:
- Eyes
- Nose
- Ears
- Scalp
- Fingers
- Toes
- Genitals
Those also suffering from large, aggressive or rapidly growing skin cancers have found Mohs surgery a gold standard in treatment. Additionally, in some cases of melanoma, Mohs surgery is increasingly being used as a successful treatment method.
The Mohs surgical procedure is performed by a specially trained doctor who fulfills the role of surgical removal, pathologist and surgical reconstruction. At St. Bernards, Dr. Colton Nielson is our board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon. His background and training allow St. Bernards to broaden the care available to our community.
Advantages of Mohs surgery
- Mohs surgery is an efficient and cost-effective treatment. It requires a single visit and is performed on an outpatient surgery basis. Your surgeon will use local anesthesia, and all lab work is done on-site.
- The surgery is minimally invasive. The surgeon examines 100% of tumor margins, saves healthy tissue and leaves the smallest scar possible.
- Mohs surgery performed by our fellowship-trained surgeon offers the highest cure rate—up to 99% for skin cancer that has not been treated and up to 94% for skin cancer that recurs after previous treatment.
What to expect during Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is completed in stages during a single visit. It begins with removing a layer of tissue. The surgeon then examines the tissue under a microscope in our on-site lab, which allows our team to address any cancer cells remaining. The surgeon locates the exact area with the cancerous cells and removes an additional layer of tissue from that specific location. This technique saves as much healthy tissue as possible and improves patient recovery. The doctor repeats this process until no cancer cells remain.
Steps of Mohs Surgery
- Step 1: Examination and prep
- Step 2: First layer removal
- Step 3: Lab analysis
- Step 4: Microscopic examination
- Step 5: Additional layers removed (if cancer still present)
- Step 6: Wound repair
- Step 7: Bandaging and wound care instructions
