SOMA Skin & Laser offers Mohs Micrographic surgery for skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs micrographic surgery at SOMA Skin & Laser is performed by surgeons trained in the Mohs procedure and in the latest reconstructive techniques.
About Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective technique for treating many skin cancers, yielding lower recurrence rates than conventional excision. In Mohs micrographic surgery, a layer of tissue is removed by the surgeon, processed for histology in real-time, marked for orientation, and examined under the microscope to ensure complete tumor removal. Any residual tumor is marked and mapped and additional precise tissue layers removed until all tumor has been excised. Mohs micrographic surgery preserves healthy tissue while enabling real-time total margin control, with cure rates as high as 99%. Once the tumor is completely removed, an appropriate repair is planned and executed, which can include side-to-side closure or complex flaps or grafts as needed.
What will happen before, during and after Mohs surgery?
The Mohs surgeon will review all relevant pre-operative details and medical history, and evaluate the site of the tumor. On the day of surgery, you will be made comfortable in the procedure room, informed consent signed, and any questions reviewed. The lesion is marked and photographed. The site is then prepped and infiltrated with a local anesthetic, and the first “layer” is removed (also called a “stage” of Mohs surgery). The surgical site is then temporarily bandaged while the tissue is processed and evaluated under the microscope. Additional “layers” may be necessary until all of the tumor has been removed. Once the margins are “negative”, the surgeon will select an appropriate method to repair the wound, which may include primary closure, a flap or a graft. A dressing will be applied and wound care instructions provided.
What is the cost of Mohs surgery? Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover Mohs surgery for appropriately selected skin cancers. Our reimbursement staff will check with your insurance company prior to the procedure to obtain any necessary authorizations.
What types of skin cancer can be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery?
The Mohs procedure for treating skin cancer can be used to treat a variety of tumors. Typical indications include:
- Recurrent basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- BCC or SCC with clinically indistinct borders
- Skin cancers in “high-risk” areas of the face, which includes the central areas of the face
- Cosmetically sensitive areas and areas with limited adjacent skin for repair, such as genitals, anal and peri-anal areas, hands, feet, and nail units
- Rapidly growing tumors
- Tumors >2cm in diameter
- Tumors with certain aggressive histological subtypes
- Tumors arising in sites of previous radiation treatment
- Tumors in immunosuppressed patients
- Patients with basal cell nevus syndrome
- Additionally, Mohs surgery is often used for other skin cancers such as melanoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
Contact SOMA Skin & Laser at 973-763-SKIN (7546) for a consultation.