When to get Mohs

Mohs allows for the maximal amount of tissue conservation when it comes to dermatologic cancer resections. It can be indicated for any skin cancer on the face (or any other part of the body) if resection of that tissue is likely to leave a significant scar or a scar that can alter the function of things like the eyelids.

Just because you have positive margins may not mean you NEED Mohs if the treating physician feels that the resulting defect is likely to be similar or the reconstruction options will not substantially change with comparison to normal surgical resection.

You should talk to BOTH the Mohs dermatologic surgeon and your planned reconstructive surgeon to get the treatment options that are best suited to your needs.

I hope this helps.

Mohs micrographic surgery is indicated for cosmetically sensitive areas, recurrence, and aggressive pathology. The repair is typically performed by Mohs surgeon who is typically quite comfortable with most repairs including flaps and grafts. On occasions, Mohs surgeon may coordinate with a plastic surgeon where the Mohs surgeon will take care of the eradication of tumor with maximal preservation of unaffected tissue and the plastic surgeon may take care of reconstructive surgery either on the same day or the very next day.

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