Patient/Public Resources

The American Society for Mohs Surgery strongly promotes patient and public education in Mohs surgery. The following information is intended to provide a basic foundation for understanding the Mohs surgical procedure and its advantages, as well as realistic expectations relative to the technique.

In addition to assessing whether Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for a patient’s particular diagnosis, the dermatologist and/or Mohs surgeon will address specific questions, ensuring that the patient is well prepared for the procedure. If it is determined that Mohs surgery is not the best option for the patient, the physician will be able to recommend appropriate alternative therapies.

About Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain tumors. Due to the fact that the Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled, it provides the most precise method for removal of the cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. For this reason, Mohs surgery may result in a significantly smaller surgical defect and less noticeable scarring, as compared to other methods of skin cancer treatment. The Mohs procedure is recommended for skin cancer removal in anatomic areas where maximum preservation of healthy tissue is desirable for cosmetic and functional purposes. It may also be indicated for lesions that have recurred following prior treatment, or for lesions which have the greatest likelihood of recurrence.

About the American Society for Mohs Surgery

The American Society for Mohs Surgery is a non-profit professional medical society with a total membership of nearly 1000 dermatologists, pathologists, and Mohs technicians. Founded in 1990, the ASMS is dedicated to the highest quality of patient care and education relative to Mohs surgery as a specialized surgical treatment for skin cancer.

Mohs Education

Education in Mohs surgery is one of our primary objectives. Physicians and technicians are encouraged to participate in our Mohs training course. The ASMS clinical symposium includes a wide variety of Mohs surgery and other dermatologic surgery topics.

Patients and their caregivers may wish to review our Patient Information brochure which explains the basic aspects of the Mohs procedure.

Click here to view Patient Information Brochure