HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Why It Is Done
Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for removal of skin cancer that:
- Is likely to return. Mohs micrographic surgery is more effective in obtaining cancer-free margins for cancers that have irregular borders and a history of removal and recurrence.
- Is located in visible areas or areas where skin tissue should be preserved, such as on the ears, nose, or eyelids.
- Is growing quickly.
- Has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body, such as in some Reference squamous cell carcinomas Opens New Window.
- Occurs in children.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 2, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
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