Mohs surgery is highly effective in treating certain types of skin cancer. The specialized multi-step technique removes all traces of skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is especially effective for basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer, lesions with undefined or irregular borders, and those located on the face or other sensitive areas of the body. Our Mohs surgeons are among the most experienced in Michigan and have been performing this specialized surgery at Henry Ford since 1967.

The Josephine Ford Cancer Center is a major referral center for Mohs Surgery, with Henry Ford Dermatology Mohs Surgery specialists performing more than 1,000 surgeries annually. Mohs surgery is the standard best treatment for the two most common types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The overall cure rate for these types of skin cancer with Mohs surgery is excellent, approaching 99 percent for newly diagnosed skin cancers. Recurrent cancers larger than 2 centimeters have a nearly 95 percent cure rate. Mohs surgery is also used for other skin cancers including melanoma. However, because melanoma is highly aggressive, additional types of treatment may be required depending on the stage of melanoma at diagnosis.

Mohs surgery involves a multi-step method performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. Indications for using Mohs surgery are based on several factors, including location, size, and the stage of the skin cancer.