Treatments & Services

MOHS surgery is an innovative technique to remove skin cancer at Emory MOHS' Dermatologic Group with success rate 95%The procedure can be very effective on facial skin cancers and other sensitive skin since the minimal tissue removal required for the process leaves nominal damage. In addition, it also is very successful on re-current skin cancers. Although skin cancer tumors are usually visible, tumor cells can remain undetected and eventually cause a tumor to reappear. Mohs can effectively remove these cells with a high degree of accuracy and prevent a re-occurrence with a 95% effectiveness rate.

However, a dermatologist can best judge whether Mohs is the most effective treatment option for a patient over many other skin cancer treatment options.

The procedure was pioneered over 50 years ago by Dr. Frederick Mohs. It involves "mapping" the skin area and removing layers in a grid pattern that are then checked microscopically for cancer cells. Further layers are taken from the area until traces of the cancer cells are not evident.

While very effective, the treatment is time-consuming and exacting. But because of the precision of the Mohs technique, the majority of the cases can be handled in one treatment session. The "wound" is bandaged and dressed and the Emory dermatologist will consult with the patient on the appropriate aesthetic procedure to address any skin damage. Because the wound is small, results of aesthetic procedures following Mohs are very successful.

For more information, please call 404-778-3333.