MOHS Surgery

Over 5000 Mohs Surgeries…
Dr. OJ Rustad completed his four year Dermatology residency program at the University of Minnesota. He then was selected for a Cutaneous Surgery Fellowship at the University of MN in 1990. During this fellowship, he received further extensive surgical training in Mohs skin cancer surgeries as well as cosmetic surgeries and procedures. This additional training has allowed him to develop proficiency in the various surgeries of the skin.

Mohs Surgery Explained
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing skin cancers. Instead of taking a large amount of skin all around a skin cancer and having a pathologist later examines it later in order to try and make sure all the cancerous cells are gone, Mohs surgery removes the smallest amount of normal tissue possible. This is especially important in areas such as the face, where it’s important to have a good cosmetic outcome as well as remove the cancer.

In Mohs surgery, as the cancer is excised, each section is microscopically examined to determine if any cancer cells are still present. If any cells remain, only the cancer cells and as few as possible normal cells next to that area are removed.

Today, Mohs surgery is accepted as the single most effective technique for removing Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BCCs and SCCs) – the two most common skin cancers. It accomplishes the nifty trick of sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue while also most completely expunging cancer cells; cure rates for BCC and SCC are an unparalleled 98 percent or higher with Mohs, significantly better than the rates for standard excision or any other accepted method.

Mohs History
This unique technique was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs micrographic surgery has, with a few refinements, come to be embraced over the past decade by an increasing number of surgeons for an ever-widening variety of skin cancers.

Surgical Testimonial
“Not very often do you find a doctor of Dr. O. J. Rustad’s caliber. He is not only a highly skilled Mohs surgeon; he is also a very compassionate and caring individual. You are definitely in the best hands when he is your doctor.”
Janet E., Shoreview

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American Society for Mohs Surgery – Patient FAQs
Is Mohs surgery the best treatment option for all skin cancers?

If you have any type of suspicious skin lesion you should seek evaluation by a dermatologist. If skin cancer is suspected, he or she may recommend and perform a biopsy. Mohs surgery may be recommended based on the type .