MOHS Micrographic Surgery is a surgical procedure developed by Dr. Frederick MOHS, MD, in the 1930s and later refined by Dr. Perry Robbins, MD, in the 1960s. It is a well-established technique for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure includes the removal of thin layers of the tissue and analyzing the tissue for the presence of cancer cells. The layer removal and evaluation process is repeated until the surgeon achieves acceptable margins, and the cancer is entirely removed. This surgical technique ensures the preservation of healthy tissue; however, it may result in visible deformity or scarring, especially when performed on sensitive areas like the nose, ears, or face.

The MOHS Surgery procedure can be quite laborious, lasting several hours, and each phase requires utmost attention to detail. Each layer of tissue removed is thoroughly analyzed using microscopic examination in an onsite lab. The patient’s wound is repaired, dressings, and bandaging applied to complete the procedure.

The procedure can cause a certain level of pain, and recovery or healing is needed since it creates an open wound that may become infected. For patients on blood thinners and with other medical conditions, the MOHS Surgery procedure may not be an available option. In such instances, SRT becomes a new viable option for skin cancer treatment.