The Stanford Advanced Skin Care Center and the Stanford Department of Dermatology offer Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Mohs skin cancer surgery is used to treat the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced and highly specialized technique for the removal of skin cancer.  The procedure was developed by Dr. Fredrick Mohs at the University of Wisconsin back in the 1930s and now it is practiced throughout the world. It offers the highest potential for recovery; the cure rate can be up to 99 percent, even if other treatments have failed.  

Why is Mohs surgery different?
Mohs surgery permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue. Careful examination ensures that all of the cancerous tissue is eliminated. Mohs surgery removes only the cancerous tissue and spares the normal tissue.

The Procedure
The dermatologic surgeon methodically and precisely maps the location of the tumor and the minimum amount of normal skin is removed. This is particularly important in cosmetic-sensitive areas such as the face. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

See Mohs Surgery: Illustrated for an illustrated explanation of the Mohs procedure.

Why have your Mohs surgery done at the Stanford Advanced Skin Care Center?
Physicians who perform Mohs surgery are highly trained and have special skills in dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermopathology, and Mohs surgery.