Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique that allows for the surgical removal of skin cancer with a five-year cure rate of 99% for certain types of cancer. It is used most commonly for select basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas as well as melanomas.

Mohs surgery is offered by Dr. Matthew Zipoli at Dermatology Associates of Concord.

Mohs surgery allows the tumor to be removed in small layers, thereby preserving the maximum amount of normal skin. During the procedure, Dr. Zipoli will check each layer of skin for cancer cells, removing each layer until there is no more cancer detected.

Following complete removal of cancer cells, the wound is repaired. As a result, Mohs offers the highest cure rate for skin cancer and spares the greatest amount of healthy skin, resulting in an optimal cosmetic result with minimal scarring.

During and After Mohs Surgery

During Mohs micrographic surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic and remain awake. It generally takes less than four hours to complete, depending on how deep the root of your cancer is.

The most time-consuming part of the procedure is actually the analysis of the tissue removed to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed. Because it is impossible to predict how deep your cancer is, you should plan on blocking off the entire day for the procedure.

After the procedure, the wound is closed with either stitches or a skin flap or graft if it covers a large area. You will be given instructions for proper wound care before you leave. 

Am I a Candidate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices under local anesthesia by Dr. Zipoli, who treats nearly a thousand skin cancer patients each year.

Indications for Mohs surgery may include recurrence of a previously treated cancer, as well as type, location, size, and presentation of the tumor. Based on one of these criteria, your doctor may recommend Mohs surgery for removal of a skin cancer.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Zipoli for Mohs micrographic surgery at either our Concord or Cambridge locations. You can request an appointment online or call (978) 254-1631. We do not offer Mohs surgery at our Waltham location.