Santa M on ic a Mohs Procedure Treats Skin Cancer with Less Scarring Mohs is a surgical technique that works for many patients when other procedures have failed. Mohs micrographic surgery is an innovative, tissue-sparing technique used to treat the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The procedure involves removing cancerous cells one layer at a time and immediately examining the layers under a microscope until all cancer cells are detected and removed. The goal is to cure skin cancer while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue. “Using this technique, we can precisely determine whether any skin cancer remains while the patient waits, and bring the patient back into the room to remove more tissue as necessary,” says UCLA dermatologist Joseph Greco, MD. Complete removal of skin cancer and repair of any resulting scars is performed under local anesthetic and can be done on the same day, usually within three-to-four hours. Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of any cancer treatment, nearly 98 percent. “Patients come in with skin cancer and leave with their cancer completely removed and the least perceptible scar possible,” Dr. Greco says. “Mohs is a superior surgical technique that is both convenient and cost- effective, and works for many patients when other procedures have failed.” Mohs surgery is not appropriate for the treatment of all skin cancers. It is used for skin cancers that have recurred or that are at high risk for recurrence and for cancers located in areas in which preservation of healthy tissue is critical, such as the face. UCLA Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Services • Botox injections • Chemical peels • Collagen/dermal fillers • Hair removal or transplantation • Laser surgery • Microdermabrasion • Mohs micrographic surgery • Scar revision • Sclerotherapy for spider veins • Skin cancer • Tattoo removal 2020 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 510 Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 917-3376 Cosmetic Appointments (310) 206-SKIN dermatology.ucla.edu LAW Vital Signs Fall 2014 Vol. 64 3