What Is the Mohs Surgery Success Rate?

Mohs micrographic surgery consistently delivers some of the highest success rates when treating certain types of skin cancer, with clinical studies showing a cure rate of up to 99%. As a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, I consistently see exceptional results using this advanced, tissue-sparing procedure.

Understanding Mohs Surgery and Its Success Rate

Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical method that removes skin cancer layer by layer, examining each section under a microscope in real time until only cancer-free tissue remains. This microscopic margin control is what sets Mohs apart from other treatments and contributes to its remarkable effectiveness.

The Mohs surgery success rate of up to 99% varies slightly depending on the type of cancer and whether it is a first-time (primary) tumor or a recurrence:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Cure rates often reach up to 99% for primary basal cell skin cancer and about 94% to 95% for recurrent BCCs.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Primary squamous cell skin cancers treated with Mohs have cure rates between 95% and 99%, with recurrent cases remaining similarly high.
• Other Skin Cancers: Mohs surgery is primarily used for non-melanoma skin cancers, but in select cases, early-stage melanoma may also be treated using specialized Mohs techniques. More advanced or invasive melanomas are typically managed with wide local excision and, when appropriate, additional therapies.

These success rates mean that most carefully selected patients treated with Mohs achieve complete tumor removal with a very low risk of local recurrence. These outcomes consistently outperform many traditional treatment approaches, which is why Mohs is considered the gold standard for treating high-risk skin cancers and tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas.

How Mohs Compares To Other Treatments

It’s important to know how Mohs surgery stacks up against other cancer treatments:

• Standard Surgical Excision: Typical excision removes a tumor and a preset margin of healthy skin. While effective, this method examines only a portion of the surgical margin and has higher recurrence rates compared with Mohs.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be an option for patients who cannot undergo surgery, but cure rates tend to be lower than Mohs, and it may lead to long-term changes in skin texture and pigmentation.
• Destructive Techniques (Cryotherapy, Curettage): These methods do not offer margin control and are typically reserved for superficial cancers, lacking the microscopic confirmation that Mohs surgery provides.

Because Mohs examines 100% of the cancer’s margins, it maximizes cure rates while sparing normal tissue, which often leads to superior cosmetic and functional outcomes. That gives Mohs surgery a key advantage when treating cancers on the face, ears, or hands.

What To Expect After Mohs Surgery

Patients undergoing Mohs surgery at Houston Dermatology Specialists can expect:

• An outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
• Multiple stages only if residual cancer is detected. This means the procedure continues until complete clearance is confirmed. You should expect to spend several hours at our office.
• A wound that may be closed with stitches, a skin graft, or allowed to heal naturally, depending on size and location.
• Follow-up care instructions to minimize the risk of infection and promote optimal healing.

Most patients experience mild discomfort and gradual improvement over weeks to months. Full healing can take longer, especially in areas where tension or movement occurs frequently. You can get more answers to questions about recovery after Mohs surgery in our previous blog post.

What Is the Rate of Recurring Skin Cancer After Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is associated with excellent long-term tumor control, with many studies showing very low local recurrence rates in the years following treatment. However, all skin cancer survivors should continue routine skin examinations after treatment, particularly during the first 5 years, when the risk of recurrence is highest.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re evaluating skin cancer treatment options, Mohs surgery offers an exceptional combination of high success rates, tissue preservation, and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Call us at (713) 487-8233 or request a consultation using the online form.