But there are times, such as with big tumors that likely have deep roots, when it's often considered the best first treatment. Even with Mohs surgery, the best time to get it is the first time. He also points out that recurrent skin cancers tend to be deep, and all may appear fine on the surface for even years while the cancer percolates underneath. Mohs surgery is used for the most common skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma, which presents as a red, scaly patch of skin, and basal cell carcinoma, which resembles a shiny patch or bump. Melanoma, the least common but most deadly of the skin cancers, can be treated with Mohs in certain, select circumstances, he said.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world.
Skin type is a big factor. In general, the fairer complected you are, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Repair of the defect created by Mohs surgery is typically a second procedure. Sometimes a small defect may heal fine on its own, he said. Other times, the area may simply be sutured together.