BPH treatment options when drugs are not enough
Can I wear contacts after age 50?
Eye care in an emergency
Harvard study: Six healthy diets linked with better long-term brain health
Study: Taking GLP-1 drugs may increase risk of key nutrient deficiencies
Another way to manage GERD
What is the "gout diet"?
HPV testing at home: A new option for women
How can I tell if I'm developing arthritis or musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause?
How to increase appetite
What is Mohs surgery?
An effective treatment for basal cell cancers.
Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Mohs micrographic surgery is often used to remove basal cell cancers. During Mohs surgery the tumor is shaved away in thin layers, one layer at a time. Each layer is checked immediately under a microscope.
This allows the surgeon to preserve as much healthy skin as possible while removing all of the cancer and a thin margin of healthy skin. This surgery is a highly effective treatment for basal cell cancer and often has very good cosmetic results.
Basal cell cancers form in the epidermis, the protective, outermost layer of our skin. The cancerous cells invade surrounding tissues, usually forming a painless pearly bump.
Illustration by Michael Linkinhoker
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
BPH treatment options when drugs are not enough
Can I wear contacts after age 50?
Eye care in an emergency
Harvard study: Six healthy diets linked with better long-term brain health
Study: Taking GLP-1 drugs may increase risk of key nutrient deficiencies
Another way to manage GERD
What is the "gout diet"?
HPV testing at home: A new option for women
How can I tell if I'm developing arthritis or musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause?
How to increase appetite
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up
