There is a risk for skin cancer recurrence depending on certain factors such as the size, border, growth rate and location of the tumor. However, skin cancer is less likely to come back after excision and least probable after Mohs surgery. An evaluation of the five-year recurrence rate among post-op patients who had skin cancer excision or Mohs surgery found the recurrence rate for basal cell carcinoma was 2% for excisions and 1% for Mohs surgery.
In cases where the skin tumor returns, Mohs surgery is still the preferred option. In squamous cell carcinoma, the five-year recurrence rate was 3% for Mohs and 8% for excisions. Some forms of skin cancer require additional treatment, such as radiation therapy. Follow-up appointments after Mohs surgery and skin cancer reconstruction are crucial for the early detection of new skin lesions.