MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY What is skin cancer? - What causes skin cancer? - How is skin cancer treated? - What is Mohs Surgery? - What will happen at my first visit? - How should I prepare for surgery? - How is the surgery performed? - How long does it take? - Will Mohs Surgery cure me? - How will the wound be closed? - What can I expect after surgery? - How will my wound heal? - Important reminders before Surgery - Other Resources Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure for the removal of skin cancer. It is named after the originator of the technique, Dr. Frederick Mohs. This information was written to help you understand what Mohs micrographic surgery is and why it is recommended for the treatment of skin cancer. Dr. Anne Dacko is a board certified dermatologist by the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery the American Society for Mohs Surgery. She is part of a very small number of specially trained dermatologists who perform this type of surgery in this region. This highly successful surgery is offered in an outpatient setting located at several locations in Manhattan. Patients who undergo this procedure do so in relative comfort and do not require a hospital visit. I encourage patients to be as informed as possible about the surgical procedure they are considering. If you have any additional questions after reading this booklet, please contact Dr. Dacko at one of the office numbers listed on this web site. What Is Skin Cancer? Skin cancer is the most common malignant tumor in humans. It is an abnormal growth of cells that expand in an unpredictable pattern on the skin. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Each is named for the particular skin cell from which it originates. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are commonly treated by Mohs micrographic surgery in the office. Other types of skin cancer can also be treated with Mohs surgery. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma begin as a single point in the upper layers of the skin and slowly enlarge, spreading along the surface and downward. These extensions cannot be directly seen. The tumor often extends far beneath the surface of the skin. If not completely removed, both types of skin cancer may invade and destroy structures in their path. Although skin cancers are locally destructive, they do not tend to metastasize (spread) to distant parts of the body. Metastasis is extremely rare in basal cell carcinoma and usually occurs only with long standing, large tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma is slightly more dangerous and patients must be observed for any spread of the tumor, though it is unlikely. NEXT