Mohs Micrographic Surgery
A skin cancer diagnosis can put your life on hold, but doctors at Cedars-Sinai offer hope for healing. You have access to Mohs micrographic surgery, which is considered the gold-standard treatment for certain skin cancers. Our team has used this technique to help thousands of people become cancer-free—even patients with complex skin cancers.
What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Cancerous growths often have irregular shapes beneath the surface of the skin, often referred to as roots and extensions. Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective surgical treatment for many types of skin cancer, including head and neck cancer. This technique offers the highest cure rate, meaning you have the best chances of becoming cancer-free and the best cosmetic outcomes.
Mohs micrographic surgery is performed in stages and under local anesthesia. During the procedure, our Mohs surgeon will surgically remove the skin cancer, and carefully examine it under a microscope to ensure that every cancer cell has been removed. This process is repeated, with about 30 minutes between each stage, until all the cancer has been removed. After, our Mohs surgeon will often repair or reconstruct your wound. As a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, our surgeon has extensive training in facial reconstruction.
To be a candidate for Mohs micrographic surgery, your skin cancer must meet one of the following appropriate use criteria:
- Be located on the head and neck
- More than 2 centimeters wide
- Has ill-defined clinical borders
- Is a reoccurrence from a previous treatment
- Previously has been incompletely excised
- Have unusual or high-risk features (such as nerve invasion)
Our Approach to Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer
Our expert has completed extensive and rigorous fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology, including advanced training in facial reconstruction. Our Mohs surgeon has performed over than 15,000 skin cancer procedures. We deliver precise treatments that result in the highest possible cure rates.
Our approach also includes:
Reconstruction
We perform reconstructive surgery to minimize changes to your appearance. Our Mohs surgeon is experienced in advanced facial reconstruction techniques, including skin grafts and flaps. He regularly teaches reconstruction to other surgeons at local and national conferences.
Research
We're actively conducting research to learn more about skin cancer, particularly high-risk skin cancers in patients with weakened immune systems. We also work alongside Cedars-Sinai cancer experts to offer novel treatments for patients with high-risk skin cancers.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Care at Cedars-Sinai
Our Mohs micrographic surgeon is also the co-director of the Cedars-Sinai Skin Cancer Tumor Board. At these meetings, specialists—including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other surgeons—coordinate personalized care for complex cancers. For example, if the cancer comes back after treatment, we discuss whether you might benefit from a clinical trial.
More Dermatology Services for Skin Cancer
Once you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, you are at risk for future cancerous growths—even if Mohs surgery is successful. Our team offers regular screenings, allowing us to catch early signs of new cancer and preventative measures to decrease your risk of skin cancer. We tailor care and recommendations to your situation.
Have Questions or Need Help?
To make an appointment or refer a patient, call the Dermatology care team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.