Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised technique used to treat some types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and melanoma.
The procedure is carried out in stages under local or general anaesthetic. It aims to remove the affected tissue while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.
After each stage, the tissue is sent to the laboratory, where it is rapidly frozen, sectioned and examined under a microscope. The results help determine whether any additional tissue needs to be removed.
The laboratory examination and verbal report are completed while the patient waits. Complex specimens with multiple tissue blocks may take longer to process.
Mohs clinics
Mohs clinics are booked in advance with the department to make sure the appropriate clinical and laboratory staff are available.
Mohs surgery is carried out at:
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Solihull Hospital
Opening Times
09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday
Contact us
Pathologists are available for Clinical advice
Cellular Pathology Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Cellular Pathology Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Cellular Pathology laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.
Accreditation information is available under Cellular Pathology (UKAS Reference 10141).
Tests that do not appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation are not UKAS accredited. These tests are validated in line with laboratory procedures and are carried out by trained and competent staff.
For a list of accredited tests and further information, visit the UKAS website:
For further information about quality assurance and accreditation please contact our Quality Manager.
- Louise Fallon, Quality Manager
- louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Data protection
Cellular Pathology services comply with the Trust's Data Protection Policy. Procedures are in place to ensure the service and its staff meet data protection requirements and follow recognised best practice.
Announcement: Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026