AAFM Dermatology Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

The primary goal of Mohs micrographic surgery in treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is to minimize scarring and preserve healthy tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal. This innovative technique allows for the precise excision of cancerous skin, layer by layer, and involves immediate microscopic examination of the removed tissue. If cancerous cells are detected at the margins of the excised tissue, additional layers are taken until clear margins are achieved, which confirms that the cancer has been completely excised.

This focus on tissue preservation is crucial because it limits the extent of healthy skin that is removed, promoting a better cosmetic outcome and minimizing scarring. Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for BCC, which can often be found in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and ears, where preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible is vital for both functional and aesthetic reasons.