MOHS Surgery
A unique and very effective technique for the removal of skin tumors, developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs of the Wisconsin University in the USA and initially introduced in 1930. Nowadays it is being employed by physicians worldwide. MOHS surgery is special and different from all other surgical techniques because it involves an immediate full and complete microscopic examination of all of the removed tumor tissue, thus assuring the complete removal of all 'roots' and protrusions of the tumor. Mohs surgery has the highest success rate in removal and prevention of reoccurrences than all other skin cancer treatment modalities.
There is no indication to treat all skin cancers with MOHS technique. Since it is significantly more expensive. time consuming and complex, it is reserved for reoccurring tumors after previous surgeries, for tumors which by nature have a greater risk for reoccurrence or for tumors located in regions where maximal preservation of healthy skin is required to allow for a full reconstruction without esthetic or functional ramifications.
MOHS Surgery is covered in the Israeli "General health basket" for tumors located only in the head & neck area.
The surgery is performed by physicians with appropriate training in general dermatology, skin histopathology and dermatosurgery, which have been trained to perform MOHS surgery. It is performed in a specialized setting with an adjacent tissue processing lab joining a crew of specialized nurses, lab histo-technician and phisicians.
