Mohs Surgery is a procedure traditionally used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. It is an outpatient procedure that is performed in one visit. Since its development in the 1930s, the procedure has been tremendously beneficial in treating these forms of cancer. It is a tissue sparing technique that removes the least amount of skin necessary to remove a tumor. It is usually performed on the head and neck due to less skin being available for closure, but can be used on other sites such as the hands, feet, or genitals, if there is little skin to recruit for wound closure.
In recent years, the Mohs procedure has begun to be used as a treatment for superficial melanomas. However, the usual first line of treatment for melanoma is the wide surgical removal of the biopsy confirmed melanoma and the area around it. Should further treatment be needed, your dermatologist will consult with you to plan your next steps.
If you believe that you may have skin cancer, or have had the diagnosis confirmed and are looking for Mohs surgery specialists, contact Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic today. Our staff can schedule your consultation and give you more information regarding the procedure. Call us to learn more about the surgery.