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Why Mohs Surgery Is the Gold Standard for Treating Skin Cancer
When you’re facing a skin cancer diagnosis, choosing the right treatment matters. You want the most precise, effective option that protects as much healthy skin as possible.
At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, we’re proud to offer Mohs micrographic surgery, widely recognized as the gold standard for treating common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, here at our Sun City, Sun City West, and Wickenburg, Arizona, locations.
Below, Drs. Seth and Matt Goodman break down why Mohs stands above all other treatments and why it may be the best choice for you.
1. It’s more precise
Unlike traditional excisions, Mohs surgery evaluates 100% of the tumor margins during the procedure itself. That means no waiting for lab results and no guessing whether all cancer cells have been removed.
Instead, Dr. Seth Goodman or Dr. Matt Goodman removes the cancer (one layer at a time) and examines each layer under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain.
2. It has the highest cure rate
Mohs surgery boasts cure rates up to 99.9% for new cancers and 94% for recurrences. That level of accuracy is unmatched because your Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery surgeon examines the complete perimeter and underside of every tissue sample in real time.
This is especially important if the skin cancer:
- Has unclear or aggressive borders
- Has come back after previous treatment
- Is located near delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas
This is also why the American Skin Cancer Foundation considers Mohs surgery the gold standard for non-melanoma skin cancers.
3. It spares more of the surrounding skin
Skin cancers often occur on areas you most want to protect: your face, ears, nose, lips, eyelids, and hands, among other areas. Mohs is tissue-sparing, which means it removes only what’s necessary while preserving the surrounding healthy skin.
This leads to smaller scars, better cosmetic outcomes, and more natural-looking reconstruction.
The precision of Mohs is one of the reasons it is especially recommended for cancers near your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. It confirms complete removal
With Mohs surgery, you don’t leave wondering if the cancer is gone. Our surgeon confirms complete removal before you ever get up from the chair.
This immediate, microscopic evaluation reduces the risk of:
- Cancer regrowth
- Additional surgeries
- Repeat healing or scarring
- Worry if all the margins were taken
For you, this means walking out of our office with confidence and peace of mind.
5. It reduces risk and speeds recovery
Mohs is typically performed using local anesthesia, which avoids the risk of general anesthesia. It also speeds recovery so you can return home the same day.
Most people find the process comfortable and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication at home.
6. It may effectively treat some aggressive cancers
Some skin cancers grow in irregular or deeply rooted patterns, which makes them harder to remove completely with standard surgery. Mohs surgery works especially well for these more aggressive basal cell and squamous cell cancers because it allows Dr. Goodman to remove the cancer one thin layer at a time while checking the margins immediately.
Cancers with features like invasive growth, abnormal cell patterns, or spread along nerves are considered higher risk, and Mohs surgery offers the best chance of removing them fully while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Mohs surgery is what we do
Our board-certified Mohs surgeons combine advanced surgical skill with meticulous microscopic analysis to deliver the safest, most effective care. We guide you through the entire process, from diagnosis to reconstruction, with compassion and expertise.
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a suspicious spot that needs evaluation, Drs. Goodman and Goodman are here to help. Call (623) 254-7375 to book your appointment today and receive expert care backed by the gold standard in skin cancer treatment.
Don’t forget: you can always book an appointment online any time, day or night.