Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is the most precise and effective surgical treatment for many types of skin cancer. Developed by Dr Frederic Mohs almost a century ago, this highly specialised technique offers the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It is regarded worldwide as the gold standard treatment for high-risk and facial skin cancers, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Unlike standard surgical excision, Mohs surgery allows the entire margin of the removed skin cancer to be examined under the microscope during the procedure itself. In conventional skin cancer surgery, the tumour is removed and the wound is closed before the tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. If microscopic cancer cells are later found at the edges of the specimen, a second operation may be required.

Mohs surgery avoids this uncertainty by examining 100% of the surgical margins while the patient waits comfortably in the clinic. After the visible tumour is removed, the tissue is processed immediately and carefully analysed under the microscope. If any microscopic cancer cells remain, only the precise area containing the residual tumour is removed. This process is repeated until all cancer cells have been completely cleared, allowing treatment to be completed in a single visit while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue.

Because healthy tissue is preserved wherever possible, Mohs surgery is particularly valuable for skin cancers affecting cosmetically and functionally important areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears and cheeks. Patients who are concerned about suspicious skin lesions should first undergo a comprehensive assessment through Medical & Surgical Dermatology or a specialist Mole Assessment and Removal, depending on the nature of the lesion.

Mohs surgery is most commonly performed to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer in fair-skinned individuals. It is also used in selected cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other less common skin cancers. The technique is particularly recommended for aggressive tumour subtypes, recurrent skin cancers or lesions located in areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential for both function and cosmetic appearance.

Once complete tumour clearance has been confirmed, the surgical wound is reconstructed using the most appropriate technique. This may involve direct closure with fine sutures or more advanced reconstructive methods, depending on the size and location of the defect. The aim is not only to completely remove the skin cancer but also to achieve the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.

Professor Firas Al-Niaimi has completed advanced fellowship training in dermatologic surgery and has extensive experience performing complex skin cancer procedures. He has also published numerous scientific papers on Mohs surgery and skin cancer management, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of dermatologic surgery through research, education and evidence-based clinical practice.

Every patient undergoes a detailed consultation before treatment to ensure the most appropriate surgical approach is selected. Professor Firas provides personalised skin cancer care using the latest surgical techniques, combining meticulous tumour removal with expert reconstruction to achieve the highest cure rates while preserving both appearance and function.