Mohs Micrographic Surgery was pioneered by Dr Frederic Mohs in the 1930s.

This is a thorough, accurate and highly specialised technique of skin cancer removal. Initially a layer of skin with the cancer is removed, processed onsite immediately, and examined under a microscope to check for complete removal. If there is more cancer remaining, another layer is then removed and processed, until there is no more tumour.

The Dermatologist performs the surgery, examines the specimen on slides under a microscope and once the margins are clear, closes the removal site.

Pros:

• Only the smallest area of skin that is required to clear the tumour is removed

• At the end of the surgical day, the patient knows that the tumour has been removed

• The highest cure rate for previously untreated tumors: up to 99%

• The highest cure rate for recurrent tumors: up to 94%

• Specimen processing occurs on-site at the time of surgery.

The procedure may be performed in specialist rooms or in a private hospital.

Some lesions may be more extensive than they superficially look and thus result in large surgical wounds. These can need complex closures, in which case Dr Tng will use skin flaps and/or grafts.

Dr Tng may also work with Plastic Surgeons and Oculoplastic Surgeons for some tumours close to certain structures.