Mohs surgery removes skin cancer in thin layers, with each layer examined under the microscope straight away. The process continues until no cancer cells remain at the edges. It is used for skin cancers on the face, ears and hands, where saving healthy tissue matters, and for recurrent or poorly defined tumours.

It is done under local anaesthesia, usually on the same day, though it may take several hours because of the waiting between layers. The wound is then closed, grafted or left to heal, according to its size.

How the Procedure Can Help

It gives a high cure rate for selected skin cancers while keeping as much healthy skin as possible.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring and, rarely, nerve injury. Larger defects may need reconstruction.