Mohs Micrographic Surgery

• Mohs surgery offers one of the highest cure rates available for many basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers, with cure rates up to 99% for certain newly diagnosed cancers.
• The procedure removes skin cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.
• Each tissue layer is examined under a microscope during surgery, allowing the Mohs surgeon to confirm complete cancer removal before reconstruction.
• Mohs surgery is often recommended for skin cancers in areas where preserving appearance and function are especially important, including the face, nose, ears, lips, eyelids, scalp, hands, and other sensitive locations.
• Dermatology Group of Arkansas provides expert Mohs surgery performed by experienced, board-certified dermatologic surgeons using precise techniques to achieve optimal cancer removal and cosmetic outcomes.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise skin cancer removal technique that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Offered by Dermatology Group of Arkansas for patients in Little Rock, Benton, Conway, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, and surrounding Central Arkansas communities, Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to examine each tissue layer under a microscope during the procedure to confirm that all cancer cells have been removed.

Unlike traditional skin cancer excision, where tissue is typically sent to an outside laboratory for evaluation after surgery, Mohs surgery provides same-day microscopic analysis of the tissue margins. This allows the surgeon to precisely target remaining cancer cells while minimizing the removal of healthy surrounding tissue.

Mohs micrographic surgery is performed in several carefully controlled steps:

1. The treatment area is examined and marked
   Mohs surgeon identifies the visible portion of the skin cancer and carefully marks the treatment area to guide precise removal.
2. Local anesthesia is applied
   The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3. The first layer of cancerous tissue is removedThe surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is prepared in an on-site laboratory and processed into microscopic slides.
4. The tissue is examined under a microscope
   The Mohs surgeon reviews the entire edge and base of the tissue sample to check for remaining cancer cells. A detailed Mohs map identifies the exact location of any remaining cancer.
5. Additional layers are removed only where cancer cells remain
   If cancer cells are detected, the surgeon removes another thin layer only from the specific areas identified on the Mohs map. This targeted approach helps preserve healthy tissue.
6. The process repeats until clear margins are achieved
   Additional tissue removal and microscopic examination continue until no cancer cells are found at the edges or base of the sample. This confirms that the skin cancer has been completely removed.
7. The surgical site is repaired
   Once the cancer has been removed, Dermatology Group of Arkansas’ experienced team develops a personalized wound repair plan. Depending on the size and location of the area treated, repairs may include a linear closure, skin graft, flap, or other reconstructive technique.

Mohs micrographic surgery is unique because it combines precise tissue removal with immediate microscopic evaluation. By mapping the cancer’s exact location beneath the skin, surgeons can remove the cancer completely while limiting unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

For patients in Little Rock, Benton, Conway, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, and throughout Central Arkansas, Dermatology Group of Arkansas provides expert Mohs surgery focused on both successful skin cancer removal and minimizing visible scarring. The goal is to achieve clear margins while preserving the appearance, function, and health of the treated area.

The length of a Mohs procedure varies depending on the size, location, and complexity of the skin cancer. While each tissue removal and examination stage is performed efficiently, patients should plan to spend several hours at the office since multiple stages may be needed to confirm complete cancer removal. Most patients return home the same day after their procedure.

Mohs surgery at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas involves several steps, including precise excision of the tumor, preparation of samples, intense scrutiny of samples for signs of remaining cancer cells, and new excisions in necessary areas. Microscopic examinations and excisions continue until there are no signs of skin cancer, after which repair and reconstruction will be discussed.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise skin cancer treatment that removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Key benefits of Mohs surgery include:

• Up to 99% cure rate for many basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas
• Maximum healthy tissue preservation by removing skin cancer layer by layer
• Smaller surgical defects compared to some traditional excision methods
• Minimal scarring due to precise tissue removal
• Immediate microscopic analysis of each tissue layer during the procedure
• Complete cancer removal confirmation during the same visit
• Lower risk of recurrence for many high-risk skin cancers
• Same-day outpatient procedure performed in a medical office
• Local anesthesia only in most cases

Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise skin cancer treatment designed to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy surrounding skin as possible. While it is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery may also be recommended for select other skin cancers based on the tumor type, location, size, and other individual factors.

Dermatology Group of Arkansas uses Mohs surgery to treat:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma often develops in areas with frequent sun exposure. Mohs surgery provides a high cure rate while helping preserve healthy tissue, making it especially valuable for cancers located on the face and other sensitive areas.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Mohs surgery is an effective treatment option for many squamous cell carcinomas, particularly those that are aggressive, located in high-risk areas, or have returned after previous treatment.
• Selected melanoma in situ cases: In certain situations, Mohs surgery may be considered for melanoma in situ when appropriate based on the location, characteristics of the cancer, and the surgeon’s clinical judgment.
• Other rare or complex skin cancers: Mohs micrographic surgery may be used in select cases involving uncommon skin cancers when precise tissue removal and preservation are important. Your Mohs surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your specific diagnosis.

Mohs surgery provides immediate microscopic examination of each tissue layer during the procedure, so it allows surgeons to confirm cancer removal while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin. Dermatology Group of Arkansas’ experienced Mohs surgeons evaluate each skin cancer diagnosis individually to recommend the most effective treatment plan for each patient.