Why may I need Mohs micrographic surgery for skin?

Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for removal of skin cancer that:

• Is likely to return. Mohs micrographic surgery is more effective in obtaining cancer-free margins for cancers that have irregular borders and a history of removal and recurrence.
• Is located in visible areas or areas where skin tissue should be preserved, such as on the ears, nose or eyelids.
• Is growing quickly.
• Has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body, such as in some squamous cell carcinomas.
• Occurs in children.