Being diagnosed with skin cancer can feel overwhelming—but understanding your treatment options can help you make an informed and confident decision. One of the most effective and precise treatments available today is Mohs micrographic surgery. But is it the right choice for you?
At UK Dermatologist in Manchester, Professor Vishal Madan, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and skin cancer specialist, offers a full range of advanced treatments tailored to your specific condition, location, and skin type.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised procedure used to treat certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers, primarily basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Unlike standard excision techniques, Mohs involves removing skin cancer layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope during surgery. This allows the surgeon to:
- Remove all cancer cells precisely,
- Preserve as much healthy skin as possible, and
- Deliver same-day confirmation of clear margins.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for You?
Mohs surgery may be recommended if you:
- Have skin cancer on the face, nose, lips, eyelids, ears, or other delicate areas
- Have a recurrent or aggressive skin cancer
- Need maximum tissue preservation for cosmetic or functional reasons
- Have ill-defined tumour borders, making standard surgery less predictable
- Prefer a one-visit, high-precision treatment with minimal recurrence risk
Professor Madan will assess your condition to determine if Mohs is the most suitable option based on location, type, and behaviour of the tumour.
How Does Mohs Surgery Compare to Other Skin Cancer Treatments?
Here’s a quick comparison of Mohs surgery vs. other common options:
|
Treatment |
Best For |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Mohs Surgery |
BCC, SCC in high-risk areas |
Highest cure rate (~99%), tissue-sparing, same-day margin checks |
Time-consuming; specialised availability |
|
Excisional Surgery |
Most skin cancers |
Effective, widely available |
Higher chance of recurrence, more tissue removed |
|
Cryotherapy |
Superficial cancers |
Quick, non-invasive |
No tissue margin confirmation, may leave scars |
|
Topical Therapy (e.g. 5-FU) |
Very superficial cancers |
No surgery needed |
Slow results, only suitable for early-stage lesions |
|
Radiotherapy |
Non-surgical candidates or large inoperable tumours |
Painless, no cutting |
Requires multiple sessions, lower cure rate over time |
Mohs Surgery in Manchester with Professor Vishal Madan
If you’re considering skin cancer treatment in Manchester, it’s crucial to be in expert hands. Professor Vishal Madan is one of the UK’s leading skin cancer specialists, with years of experience performing Mohs surgery in both NHS and private settings.
At UK Dermatologist, you'll receive:
- Consultant-led diagnosis and treatment
- Same-day procedures in a modern medical setting
- Personalised aftercare and cosmetic wound repair
- Rapid access appointments
When Mohs Surgery Might Not Be Necessary
While Mohs is incredibly effective, it’s not always needed. For example, small or superficial BCCs on the body may be treated effectively with:
- Surgical excision
- Curettage and cautery
- Topical creams or cryotherapy
Your treatment plan should always reflect the type, size, location, and risk profile of your specific cancer.
Book a Skin Cancer Consultation in Manchester
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, or have a suspicious lesion - early evaluation is key. Book a consultation with Professor Vishal Madan to discuss whether Mohs surgery or an alternative treatment is best for you.