Mohs surgery is an outpatient technique used to treat skin cancer. Also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, the goal of this surgery is to remove as much skin cancer as possible, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. During this procedure, we remove layer after layer of cancer-containing skin, until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth dermatologists, and other specialists work together to achieve the best possible outcome for your skin cancer treatment.
Who is a Candidate?
We perform Mohs surgery for people with a variety of skin cancers. This procedure is particularly useful for skin cancers that:
- Have recurred (come back) after previous treatment.
- Are in sensitive areas where you need to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, including around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet.
- Have edges that are hard to determine.
- Are large or aggressive.
Depending on your skin cancer treatment and Mohs surgery, you may also need to undergo reconstruction after Mohs surgery.
What to Expect
In most cases, we perform Mohs surgery on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic (only numbing the affected area). You can expect your procedure to take about four hours, though it can take longer. After the anesthetic has taken effect and your skin is numb, your surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the visible tumor, along with the thin, underlying layer of tissue.
Then, your surgeon will take this sample to the laboratory for analysis. If they determine that all the cancerous cells have been removed, your procedure will be complete. If there are more cancerous cells to remove, your surgeon will repeat this process until only healthy tissue remains.
Why Choose UHealth?
World-class leaders in skin care treatment. Experts from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Miami Health System are recognized throughout South Florida and the world as leaders in treating various types of skin cancer. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide superior, personalized treatments.
Largest in-patient dermatology service in the United States Located at UHealth Tower, the facilities are equipped with the newest equipment. Approximately 500 patients are admitted to the hospital during every year. The diseases treated vary from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lymphoma, severe infections of the skin, immunobullous disorders, and severe reactions to medicines, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis. The dermatology unit has individual rooms and therapeutic modalities such as ultraviolet light therapy, photopheresis, and hydrotherapy.
Compassionate care in an academic medical center. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long-term, short-term, or regenerative skin treatments, you will benefit from the state-of-the-art technology and latest medical advancements developed by our researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. You will receive the most accurate diagnosis and a detailed plan to keep your skin healthy.
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