Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer

Mohs surgery is an excellent procedure for skin cancer on the face because it maximizes the cure and minimizes the scar. For a first-time basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, it commonly achieves a 98 percent cure rate. For superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, using Aldera® has been shown to be effective and thus reduces any risk of scarring. 

Mohs surgery, named after Dr. Frederic Mohs who is its innovator,  is the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the nose. Studies have shown that these neoplasms have a higher chance of recurring in this location as well as when they are located on the ears, temples, lips and a few other areas. Mohs surgery is indicated because of the location, but also for tissue conservation (produce the smallest hole possible), with the highest chance of cure by examining, not a representative margin, but 100% of the margin. Reconstruction is often done after the Mohs surgery to produce the best functional and aesthetic outcome.

Moh's surgery purportedly has the lowest rate of recurrence of all removal methods. Given the potential cosmetic and functional consequences of a recurrence, it has therefore become one of the preferred methods of treatment. Many other options are available but may not have the same "cure" rate.

I think one of the most telling ways to tell if a therapy is "the best" is to survey what "doctors do" when they need a treatment.  I will tell you that whenever physicians have a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma on their nose, Mohs seems to be their first choice of treatment.  This hopefully adds some insight.  But more importantly are the long-standing, successful cure rates of Mohs Surgery.  As stated in prior responses, Mohs Surgery provides a 99% cure for basal cell cancers, and a 97% cure for squamous cell skin cancers. However, there are many alternatives to treating skin cancers on the nose that should also be considered; those treatments range from traditional excision, to topical chemotherapy creams, radiation, scraping and burning, lasers, photodynamic therapy, and newer immunologic oral drugs. Having a dermatologic professional at your side should help you tease apart what the pros and cons are to each option for treatment.  

Mohs Surgery is the best treatment for this skin cancer hands down.  As an board certified Dermatologist and American College of Mohs Surery fellowship trained, Mohs Skin Cancer Surgeon, I think that a fellowship trained Mohs Skin Cancer Surgeon is the most experienced and trained physician to perform Mohs Skin Cancer Sugery.

A Mohs Surgery fellowship is an additional 1-2 year training progarm after a Dermatologist completes his or her general Dermatology training and qualifies him or her as an expert in skin cancer recognition and treatment , including the Mohs skin cancer technique above and beyond that of any other medical professionals.