Does Mohs surgery treat basal cell carcinoma?

Mohs surgery is a specialised form of skin cancer surgery. A surgeon removes the visible tumour with a thin layer of surrounding tissue, examines that layer, and takes another layer only where cancer cells remain. This margin-by-margin approach can be useful for basal cell carcinoma in areas where conserving tissue matters, such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, fingers, or genital skin. It may also be considered when a tumour has returned, has unclear edges, or has features that make complete removal more challenging.

The procedure treats the cancer in the skin being removed; it does not determine whether every suspicious mark is basal cell carcinoma. Examination of a tissue sample confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the surgical plan.

Arrange a skin assessment if a biopsy has identified basal cell carcinoma or a spot is changing, bleeding, crusting, or failing to heal. Bring the pathology report and tell the dermatologist about previous treatment, medicines that affect bleeding, and any implanted devices. Ask whether Mohs surgery, standard excision, or another option fits the tumour's site, size, edges, and risk features. Follow wound-care instructions closely after treatment and attend the planned review.

Seek prompt medical advice for a sore that repeatedly bleeds, a pearly or scaly growth that enlarges, or a wound that does not heal. After surgery, contact the treating team urgently for bleeding that will not settle with firm pressure, spreading redness, worsening swelling, fever, severe pain, or wound separation. New or changing lesions should be assessed rather than treated at home.

Ask where the tumour sits, why Mohs surgery is being recommended, how many stages may be needed, how the wound might be closed, and what follow-up will check for new or returning skin cancers.