Mohs Surgery vs. Excision for Skin Cancer: Which Is Best?

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, navigating your treatment options can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common treatments are Mohs surgery and surgical excision. Both can be very effective, and each option comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. 

While Dr. Dharia will be there to guide you at every step along the way and will provide his professional recommendation on the best skin cancer treatment for you, it can be helpful to have an understanding of what your options are and the differences between Mohs and excision. 

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Also called Mohs micrographic surgery, Mohs surgery is a specialized technique that is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly when they are located in visible areas like the face, neck or hands. During Mohs surgery, Dr. Dharia removes cancerous tissue layer by layer, examining each section under a microscope before removing the next. This way, he is able to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while also ensuring that all cancerous cells are removed. 

The biggest advantage of Mohs surgery for skin cancer is its precision. Because each layer is examined under a microscope, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates while minimizing scarring and other unwanted cosmetic effects.

The downside to Mohs micrographic surgery is that it is not typically recommended for some types of skin cancers, such as melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma. Your candidacy can be determined following a skin evaluation and biopsy.

What Is Surgical Excision? 

Surgical excision is a more traditional skin cancer treatment. During this procedure, Dr. Dharia removes the skin cancer lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all cancerous tissue is removed. The excised tissue is then sent to the lab for diagnostics and to determine if further treatment may be necessary. 

While excision can be highly effective, it does remove more healthy tissue than Mohs. Because of this, excision is most commonly used on less visible areas like the arms or legs or for more aggressive skin cancers that aren’t suitable for treatment with Mohs surgery. 

Which Skin Cancer Treatment Is Right for You?

The best skin cancer treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the tumor. After providing a thorough assessment and performing a biopsy if necessary, Dr. Dharia will help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. 

Generally speaking, Mohs is often the gold-standard for treating non-melanoma skin cancer, especially those that appear on the face or other highly visible areas. Excision, on the other hand, can treat deeper skin cancers, including melanoma, and is typically a faster procedure than Mohs surgery. 

In either case, early detection and treatment are crucial factors in optimizing outcomes. If you have a suspicious-looking mole or other lesion, don’t hesitate to call us at 805-484-2855 or contact us online to schedule an appointment to be evaluated by Dr. Dharia. At your appointment, he will be able to guide you on any next treatment steps that may be necessary.

Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder

Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.

Pacifica Editor

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