Mohs surgery combines exceptional precision, high cure rates, and excellent cosmetic results for treating skin cancers of the face. As rates of skin cancer in the U.S. continue to rise, the nose is one of the most common sites for skin cancers—particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—due to frequent sun exposure. In tanning beds, the nose is closest to the UV light. The nose is also one of the most challenging areas to treat, as the nose has complex contours and limited tissue for reconstruction.

Mohs micrographic surgery offers the most advanced solution for removing cancer completely while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Unlike traditional excisional surgery, which removes the tumor along with an estimated margin of surrounding tissue, Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining each layer immediately under a microscope.

The surgeon maps and analyzes the tissue in real time, precisely identifying where cancer cells remain and removing only the affected areas. This step-by-step approach allows for complete cancer removal while sparing healthy tissue—critical when treating cancers on the nose, where every millimeter of skin matters.

The results speak for themselves: Mohs surgery provides cure rates up to 99% for new skin cancers and around 94% for recurrent ones. Because it ensures that no malignant cells are left behind, it significantly reduces the chance of recurrence—a key advantage since skin cancer on the nose can grow deep, invade cartilage, and be more difficult to treat once it returns.

Another major benefit of Mohs surgery for nasal skin cancers is cosmetic preservation. The nose is a central facial feature, and visible scarring or tissue loss can have a major impact on appearance and self-confidence. We use Mohs surgery for skin cancers of the lips for the same reason.

By conserving healthy tissue, Mohs surgery minimizes the size of the surgical defect, which allows for more natural and aesthetically pleasing reconstruction. Often, the reconstructive repair is performed immediately after the cancer is fully removed, restoring both form and function with impressive results.

Additionally, Mohs surgery is ideal for high-risk or recurrent tumors, cancers with ill-defined borders, and those in cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas—like the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears. Its meticulous precision and tissue-sparing nature make it the preferred treatment recommended by dermatologic surgeons and oncologists alike.

In short, Mohs surgery offers the best combination of accuracy, effectiveness, and cosmetic outcome for skin cancer on the nose—providing peace of mind that the cancer is completely gone while preserving your natural appearance.