What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment for skin cancer, offering the highest cure rates—even for skin cancers previously treated by other methods. This specialized technique is performed by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, such as Dr. Kuperman, who have advanced training as cancer surgeons, pathologists, and reconstructive experts.​

How the Mohs Procedure Works

  • Local Anesthesia: The area around the tumor is numbed with local anesthesia, ensuring that patients remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure while avoiding the risks and recovery delays of general anesthesia.​

  • Layer-by-Layer Removal: The visible tumor and a thin margin of surrounding tissue are surgically removed. This tissue is processed and meticulously examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon to check for any remaining cancer cells.​

  • Precise Tissue Analysis: If cancer cells are detected at the tissue’s edge, the surgeon marks their location and removes another thin layer specifically from that site—preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.​

  • Repeat Steps Until Clear Margins Achieved: This process of removal and microscopic examination continues—usually one to three stages—until there is no evidence of cancer remaining.​

  • Reconstruction and Wound Care: Once all cancerous tissue is removed, the Mohs surgeon discusses wound care and, if necessary, performs reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance, often the same day as the tumor removal.​

Advantages of Mohs Surgery

  • Highest Cure Rates: Up to 99% effective for most skin cancers—the best among all skin cancer treatments.​

  • Minimal Tissue Loss: The technique allows for the removal of only cancerous tissue, sparing as much healthy skin as possible for better cosmetic and functional results.​

  • Outpatient Convenience: The procedure is usually performed in a single day within the doctor’s office, using an on-site surgical suite and laboratory.​

Choosing a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon ensures expert care: Dr. Kuperman, for example, is extensively trained in every aspect of the Mohs procedure, from tumor removal to laboratory analysis and reconstructive repairs and is a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.

Kuperman