A Mohs procedure is primarily used to treat which type of cancer?

The Mohs procedure is primarily utilized to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are the two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancers. This surgical technique involves removing cancerous skin layers one at a time and examining them microscopically for cancer cells. If cancerous cells are detected at the margins, another layer is removed and examined until no further cancerous cells are found.

This meticulous approach ensures complete removal of the cancer while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible, which is particularly advantageous in areas where cosmetic outcomes matter, such as the face.

While melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, it typically requires different treatment modalities due to its deeper invasion and potential for metastasis. Lymphomas, being a type of blood cancer, do not fall under the purview of skin cancer treatments like Mohs surgery. Similarly, carcinoma in situ may be treated with different methods depending on the specific type and location and does not typically necessitate Mohs surgery. Thus, the efficacy and purpose of the Mohs procedure align closely with the management of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.