Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is an advanced surgical technique designed specifically for the removal of cancers of the skin. Its name is derived from the inventor of the technique, Dr. Frederic Mohs. MMS is based upon the principle of using a microscope to trace skin cancer roots so that the cancer can be completely removed while simultaneously preserving healthy tissue. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as other rare skin cancers. Of all treatments for skin cancer, MMS provides the highest cure rate with minimal discomfort and risk and the greatest conservation of normal tissue thereby minimizing scarring.
How is Mohs Micrographic Surgery performed?
- MMS is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The patient is NOT put to sleep for the procedure which results in less potential health risks.
- Anesthesia is injected to numb the surgical site.
- A thin layer of tissue around the visible tumor is surgically removed.
- The Mohs surgeon draws a map orienting the excised tissue, which corresponds to the surgical site.
- The tissue is color-coded, processed, and frozen section slides are prepared.
- The Mohs surgeon examines these slides under a microscope. Any area with residual cancer cells is marked on the map and the patient is brought back for further surgery.
- Another layer of tissue is removed from the area containing residual cancer (positive margin) and this tissue is also mapped, color-coded, processed, and then examined by the Mohs surgeon.
- This process continues until the entire area is free of cancer cells.
- Once the tumor has been completely removed, the Mohs surgeon will discuss with you the best way to repair the wound.
- Because MMS conserves healthy tissue when skin cancer is removed, the resulting surgical wound can be small or shallow and may be allowed to heal on its own without any stitches. A slightly larger or deeper wound may be closed with stitches; occasionally some wounds require a skin flap or graft.
When is Mohs Micrographic Surgery indicated?
- If the skin cancer is located where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic results, such as the face, scalp, hands, feet and genitalia
- If the skin cancer was previously treated
- If the edges of the skin cancer cannot be clearly defined
- If the skin cancer is large, aggressive, or growing rapidly or uncontrollably
Trial Administration