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Mohs surgery is a primary focus of the Dermatologic Surgery Program. Named after Frederick Mohs, M.D., the surgeon who developed the technique in the late 1930s, Mohs surgery is a form of excisional surgery that can effectively remove most skin cancers one layer at a time. After removal, each layer is examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer remains in the patient's skin and where, if present. Mohs surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis.
This technique is a highly effective way to treat common skin cancers. The success rate for the treatment of primary (never treated) basal cell carcinomas with this technique approaches 99 percent. When used to treat basal cell carcinomas that have recurred, the success rate averages about 95 percent (methods other than Mohs surgery produce an average cure rate of 80 percent).
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, we also provide immediate local tissue reconstruction after Mohs surgery. Our dermatologic surgeons use advanced reconstructive techniques to diminish or remove scars, repair any damaged tissue and achieve excellent cosmetic results.
In addition to Mohs surgery, dermatologic surgery offered at UT Southwestern includes:
- Cryosurgery
- Standard excisional surgery
- Laser surgery
Please visit the Health Library to learn more about dermatology surgery and the conditions it treats.
