The Most Effective Treatment for Common Skin Cancer Types
The Dermatologists accredited in Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Westside Private Hospital provide exceptional care to each and every patient they operate on.
Our range of services includes the removal, testing and treatment of skin cancers by qualified Dermatologists who have completed additional sub-specialised training in pathology and Mohs surgery, and are accredited by the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for removing basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SSCs), the two most common types of skin cancer.
This surgery is different from routine excisional surgery because it’s done in one day instead of waiting a long time frame for the results. Mohs Micrographic Surgery also examines 100% of cancer margins, spares healthy tissue and leaves the smallest scar possible.
How it Works
If you have a skin cancer that you’re worried about (most common places include the head and neck), a Westside Private Dermatologist with specialist Mohs training can remove the skin cancer in one day with a 99% success rate. Only very rarely can a skin cancer not be removed entirely (less than 1%), in which case further surgery or radiotherapy may be recommended to you.
Our Dermatologists, specially trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, will draw marks around your lesion and inject a local anaesthetic. Then, using a scalpel, they will remove the thinnest possible layer of cancerous tissue, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Once you have been bandaged, you will be taken to a recovery area.
While you rest in recovery, a technician will process the tumour in our on-site laboratory. Your Dermatologist, accredited in Mohs Surgery, will also examine the lesion under a microscope. If they find remaining cancer cells, you’ll be called back into the operating room. If not, the Dermatologist will let you know that the cancerous cells have successfully been removed.
Depending on the size of the excision, the wound can heal naturally, or the Dermatologist will close the surgical site with a linear repair (side-to-side stitching), or larger areas may require a skin graft or skin flap. On occasion, our Dermatologists elect a Plastic Surgeon to complete more complex skin closures to achieve the most optimal results for patients. However, most scars from Mohs Surgery are often smaller and less visible than routine excisional surgery.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
- Efficient, cost-effective treatment
- Single-visit outpatient surgery
- Local anesthetic
- Results on the same day
- Smallest scar possible
- Up to 99% success rate for skin cancer that hasn’t been treated before
- Up to 94% success rate for skin cancer that has recurred
Why Undergo Mohs Surgery at Westside Private Hospital?
Within Westside Private Hospital, patients can access all the necessary resources for Mohs Micrographic Surgery to be performed comfortably and conveniently. Our integrated approach to healthcare positions our team of Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Pathology, Lab Staff and highly experienced Nurses to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes for each and every patient, usually in a single day.
The many reasons why Westside Private Hospital is a preferred location for Mohs Micrographic Surgery include:
- Dermatologists accredited to perform Mohs Surgery are located on-site
- Mohs lab located on-site for prompt testing of excision
- Pathologist/lab work completed on-site the same day
- Theatres on-site should a patient require priority surgery
- Dermatologist performing Mohs Surgery may nominate a Plastic Surgeon to complete a more complex closure for a patient’s benefit
- Expert teams and support staff
- Single-visit day hospital surgery
- Free undercover parking (up to three hours), with a luxury Medihotel located within the building
The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Patient Journey
Step
01
Consultation with Dermatologist
- Your Dermatologist will recommend a Mohs procedure
- Procedure is booked in at Westside Private Mohs Theatre
Step
02
Patient Admitted
- You are admitted to Westside Private Hospital’s Mohs Theatre
Step
03
Marked Lesion
- Your lesion is marked and removed under local anaesthetic
Step
04
Mapping
- Excised tissue is divided and edges are mapped with dye
Step
05
Slides
- The excised tissue is frozen. It is then sliced and examined under a microscope to check the margins
Step
06
If Cancer Cells Remain
- Another layer of tissue is removed and the procedure is repeated until no cancer cells remain at the surgical margin
Step
07
Margins Clear
- Surgical wound is managed
- Direct closure of the wound takes place or
- Our Plastic Surgeon closes the skin flap, skin graft or combination in more complex cases
- You will be discharged from hospital
What Areas of the Body is Mohs Micrographic Surgery Most Suited?
Your Dermatologist performing Mohs Surgery will advise this at the time of consultation. However, Mohs Micrographic Surgery is most beneficial to tumours on the head and neck and is most commonly used for basal cell carcinomas. Some of the common areas on which Mohs Surgery is operated are the lips, ears, nose, eyelid, and eyebrows. It’s important for patients to preserve the healthy tissue in the facial region whilst eradicating the area of cancer.
Meet Our Dermatologists Accredited in Mohs Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Appointments & Enquiries
General Hospital Enquiries
For general hospital enquiries:
Mohs Surgery Bookings & Enquiries
To book an appointment with one of our Dermatologists accredited in Mohs Surgery, you will need a referral from your GP.
Please click on the Doctors’ bios above and contact their private practice directly.
