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| source : ohsu.edu |
Let me be honest: skin cancer was never on my radar, until I read about Erin Wheeler’s story.
She's not your typical case. Erin is a kidney transplant recipient with fair Irish skin and has undergone multiple Mohs surgeries, a type of precision surgery used to remove skin cancer with minimal tissue loss. And despite the scary-sounding premise, she actually recommends it.
That piqued my curiosity. So I dug in. I read the studies, talked to a dermatologist friend, and browsed the numbers. Here's what I learned, and why more and more people are opting for Mohs surgery.
What Is Mohs Surgery, Anyway?
First off, it’s pronounced like “Moes” (rhymes with nose). Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed it back in the 1930s, this technique removes cancerous skin cells one microscopic layer at a time. The big win? It spares as much healthy tissue as possible, especially important for visible areas like the face, hands, and neck.
How it works:
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A surgeon removes a thin layer of skin.
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That layer is immediately examined under a microscope in the same office.
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If there are still cancer cells at the edges, another layer is removed from that specific area.
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The process continues until no cancer remains.
This means no guessing. And the best part? Up to a 99% cure rate for many skin cancers.
Why the Demand Is Skyrocketing
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. That’s not a typo, every. single. day.
Here’s why Mohs surgery is becoming more common:
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High success rate: The precision removes all cancerous cells while saving healthy skin.
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Minimally invasive: Smaller wounds, less scarring.
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In-office and same-day: No hospital stay.
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Immediate lab work: You don’t wait days for biopsy results.
In fact, over 1 million Mohs procedures are performed annually in the U.S. and that number has jumped by 10% in the last decade.
Real Talk: Who’s Most at Risk?
People like Erin, organ transplant patients are especially vulnerable. Why? Because immunosuppressant drugs lower their body’s ability to fight off cancer cells. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, they’re 100 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
But even if you haven’t had a transplant, you might still be at risk if:
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You’ve had frequent sunburns
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You spend lots of time outdoors without sun protection
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You have fair skin or freckles
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There’s a family history of skin cancer
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You’re over 50 (our skin doesn’t forget that tanning phase in college)
And let’s not forget: life expectancy is rising, meaning more people live long enough for skin cancer to appear.
What It’s Like (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Erin Wheeler had her first Mohs surgery five years ago, on her face.
“I was nervous, of course,” she says. “But I cannot speak highly enough of the procedure for as much as someone can enjoy going through something like this.”
Her latest spot? Right above the eyebrow. She described the process as “less invasive” and praised how well it healed, no visible scar.
And the best line? “I was like, ‘Sign me up.’”
That confidence comes from knowing it’s not just effective it’s tailored, careful, and often surprisingly gentle.
A Doctor’s POV
Dr. Melissa Pugliano-Mauro, who directs dermatologic surgery at UPMC, put it simply: “Mohs surgery is one treatment that minimizes scarring.”
And that matters. Especially for areas where cosmetic outcomes are just as important as clinical ones like your face or hands.
Her department now even has dedicated programs for transplant recipients and immunosuppressed patients, because their needs are that specific.
Final Takeaway: Prevention Still Comes First
Yes, Mohs is a breakthrough. But let’s not forget the basics:
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Use sunscreen daily even when it's cloudy.
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Avoid tanning beds.
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See a dermatologist regularly especially if you’ve had skin cancer or have risk factors.
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Check your skin once a month for new or changing spots.
And if your dermatologist recommends Mohs? Don’t panic. Ask questions. Understand the process. And know that you’re choosing one of the most precise, effective treatments we have today.