Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer with exceptional precision. It offers the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Not every skin cancer requires Mohs surgery, so understanding who is an ideal candidate can help patients feel confident in their treatment plan. Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by Dr. Tri H. Nguyen who is a Mohs fellowship-trained specialist, provides Mohs surgery to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
What Mohs Surgery Treats
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It may also be used for certain rare or aggressive skin cancers when tissue preservation and margin control are critical.
The procedure involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
Skin Cancer Location Matters
One of the most important factors in determining candidacy is where the skin cancer is located. Mohs surgery is often recommended for cancers on areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important, such as:
- Nose
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Ears
• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Scalp
• Hands
• Feet
These areas are more prone to cosmetic or functional issues if too much tissue is removed, making Mohs an ideal option.
Size and Depth of the Tumor
Larger tumors or those with poorly defined borders are often better treated with Mohs surgery. Because Mohs examines 100 percent of the surgical margins, it is especially effective for cancers that extend deeper into the skin or have irregular growth patterns.
Aggressive or Recurrent Skin Cancers
Mohs surgery is frequently recommended for:
- Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment
• Aggressive subtypes of basal or squamous cell carcinoma
• Tumors with rapid growth or ill-defined edges
These cancers have a higher risk of spreading or returning if not fully removed.
Patients With Higher Risk Factors
Some patients benefit from Mohs surgery due to personal risk factors, including:
- Weakened immune systems
• History of radiation therapy in the affected area
• Genetic conditions that increase skin cancer risk
• Multiple prior skin cancers
In these cases, achieving the highest possible cure rate is especially important.
Why Mohs Surgery Offers Unique Benefits
Mohs surgery allows for same-day cancer removal and confirmation of clear margins. This minimizes the chance of recurrence and reduces the need for additional surgeries. It also preserves the maximum amount of healthy skin, which supports better cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Consultation Determines Candidacy
The best way to determine if Mohs surgery is right for you is through a consultation with a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Your diagnosis, tumor characteristics, medical history, and cosmetic concerns are all considered before recommending treatment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR BOARD CERTIFIED IN DERMATOLOGISTS AT TEXAS SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY IN SPRING, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
