Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is a state-of-the-art procedure involving excising a lesion, layer by layer. Each piece of excised tissue is examined under a microscope on the same day as surgery. Tissue is progressively excised until no tumor cells are seen. The goal of this type of surgery is to remove all of the malignant cells and as little normal tissue as possible. It is often used with recurring tumors.

Generally, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under a local anesthesia. The types of cancers most likely to warrant Mohs Micrographic Surgery are:

• Cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas such as around the eyes, nose, lips, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals, etc.
• Tumors that are large, aggressive, or growing rapidly
• Tumors that are recurrent
• Tumors that have ill-defined edges

Advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery

• Offers the highest potential cure rate--up to 99%--for skin cancer
• By removing the least amount of tissue, it maximizes the likelihood for preserving function and it also offers superior cosmetic results
• Fewer risks with local anesthesia compared with general anesthesia

What is a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon

Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are dermatologists who have performed at least one additional year of fellowship training (in addition to the physician's three-year dermatology residency) to become experts in Mohs micrographic surgery. As part of this training, the surgeon must perform over 500 surgeries under the tutelage of one or more American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) surgeons. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are highly skilled in all aspects of this technique, including surgical removal of the tumor, pathologic examination of the tissue, and advanced reconstruction techniques of the skin. All dermatologic surgery physicians at the University of Utah are Mohs fellowship-trained and members of the American College of Mohs Surgery. This official national organization maintains the high level of training and quality of care of this sub-specialty.

American College of Mohs Surgery

ACMS Patient Education Video

The Process

What You Need to Know Regarding Your Mohs Surgery

Locations

University Hospital: Clinic 28	50 North Medical Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84132 Map	Appointments: (801) 581-2955
Dermatology Murray Clinics	6095 S. Fashion Blvd. (300 East) Suite 160, 250 & 270 Murray, UT 84107 Map	Appointments: (801) 581-2955
Huntsman Cancer Institute	2000 Circle of Hope, Suite #2400 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550 Map	Appointments: (801) 581-2955
South Jordan at Daybreak Health Center	5126 W. Daybreak Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095 Map	Appointments: (801) 581-2955

Glen M. Bowen, M.D.

Locations

Huntsman Cancer Institute

(801) 581-2955

Specialties: Dermatology, Cutaneous Lymphoma, Melanoma Surgery, Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology, Mohs Surgery

Keith Duffy, M.D.

Locations

Dermatology & Laser Center	(801) 581-2955
Huntsman Cancer Institute	(801) 581-2955
Redstone Health Center	(435) 658-9262
South Jordan Health Center	(801) 581-2955
University Hospital	(801) 581-2955

Specialties: Dermatology, Cutaneous Lymphoma, Dermatopathology, General Dermatology, Melanoma Surgery, Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology, Mohs Surgery

Michael L. Hadley, M.D.

Locations

Dermatology & Laser Center	(801) 581-2955
Dermatology Murray Clinic	(801) 581-2955
Huntsman Cancer Institute	(801) 581-2955
University Hospital	(801) 581-2955

Specialties: Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, Melanoma Surgery, Mohs Surgery

Bradley K. Summers, M.D.

Locations

Dermatology Murray Clinic	(801) 581-2955
Huntsman Cancer Institute	(801) 581-2955

Specialties: Dermatology, Mohs Surgery

Payam Tristani-Firouzi, M.D.

Locations

Dermatology & Laser Center	(801) 581-2955
Dermatology Murray Clinic	(801) 581-2955
University Hospital	(801) 581-2955

Specialties: Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, Mohs Surgery

Related Documents

Diseases and Conditions

• Skin Cancer