Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Dr. Christopher Weyer is a dermatologist and skin cancer specialist in Tucson, Arizona who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs surgery is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who pioneered the technique. Mohs Surgery offers the most effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer with the highest potential rate of cure – up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma. The advantages of Mohs are assurance of complete cancer removal and minimal loss of healthy tissue surrounding the cancer. This results in smaller wounds and improved cosmetic and functional outcomes. Typically the wound is repaired the same day. At Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona we have two surgeons trained in different disciplines to optimize your skin cancer reconstruction. For more information about the American College of Mohs Surgery, fellowship training and mohs surgery click on the links below:

The Mohs process

Step 1

The roots of a skin cancer may extend beyond the visible portion of the tumor. If these roots are not removed, the cancer will recur.

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Step 2

The visible tumor is surgically removed.

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Step 3

A layer of skin is removed and divided into sections. The ACMS surgeon then color codes each of these sections with dyes and makes reference marks on the skin to show the source of these sections. A map of the surgical site is then drawn.

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Step 4

The undersurface and edges of each section are microscopically examined for evidence of remaining cancer.

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Step 5

If cancer cells are found under the microscope, the ACMS surgeon marks their location onto the “map” and returns to the patient to remove another layer of skin – but only from precisely where the cancer cells remain.

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Step 6

The removal process stops when there is no longer any evidence of cancer remaining in the surgical site. Because Mohs surgery removes only tissue containing cancer, it ensures that the maximum amount of healthy tissue is kept intact.

Dr. Weyer helped a patient who had basal cell carcinoma on the nose. You can review his article to see how Dr. Weyer repaired the nose after the Mohs surgery.

Satisfied Patient

Mohs Surgery Post-operative Care

To learn more about Mohs Surgery, or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Weyer, please fill out the form on this page. You can call our Tucson location at 520-207-3100 or our Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. We look forward to seeing you soon!