Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective and precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, mainly BCCs and SCCs. One of the main advantages of Mohs surgery is its high cure rate. This procedure is unique because it allows the surgeon to remove the cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. During the surgery, thin layers of skin are progressively removed and examined under a microscope in real-time. This process continues until no cancer cells are detected, ensuring that the entire tumour is removed while minimising damage to the surrounding healthy skin, with the aim of repairing the wound that same day.

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The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anaesthesia. Since the process ensures that all cancerous cells are removed during the surgery, it reduces the need for further treatment and can lead to smaller scars compared to other surgical methods.

However, Mohs is not suitable for some types of skin cancer and is not always required, and in many instances, standard surgery is enough. I will discuss all your treatment options including non-surgical treatments such as topical immunotherapy or radiotherapy.

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If you decide to proceed with Mohs surgery or wish to understand it better, there is more information about the procedure in a patient information leaflet produced by Southmead Hospital (updated by Dr Kimberlee Lim). Please click on the more info tab below