Mohs Surgery Specialist

Integrated Dermatology

Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Quincy, MA & Plymouth, MA

A skin cancer diagnosis is extremely scary for anyone at any age. Thankfully, many cases of skin cancer can be treated with Mohs surgery, a minimally invasive procedure. DermASAP, conveniently located in Quincy and Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers Mohs surgery to people looking for a procedure to fully remove cancerous cells. Call to schedule your first consultation with the expert practitioners at DermASAP today or book an appointment online.

Mohs Surgery Q & A

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

Treatment for skin cancer traditionally involved removing the lesion and substantial tissue around and underneath to ensure that no cancerous cells remained. In many cases, this resulted in a wound substantially larger than visible cancer. Conversely, Mohs surgery progressively removes cancer layer by layer, leading to fewer complications and scarring.

Treatment is completed in a single surgical session, in one day. Every case is different, but many patients don’t need pain medication stronger than over the counter analgesics for a day or two following surgery.

What happens during the Mohs surgery procedure?

Mohs micrographic surgery takes the guesswork out of skin cancer removal. While discomfort is typically minimal, Dr. Kenneth Reed, MD, at DermASAP applies a local anesthetic, and the area is cleaned and marked. You wait while the removed tissue is examined under the microscope.

If cancer cells are present, another layer of tissue is removed. If cancer cells are not present, no more tissue is excised. The process is repeated, taking only a cell-deep layer at a time until no cancerous tissue exists.

What are the benefits of Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is the gold standard treatment for many skin cancers, and there are numerous benefits to Mohs surgery. Since the procedure leaves a relatively small wound, there is minimal scarring, and the healing process is quick. Mohs surgery is a popular option because of a multitude of reasons:

Effectiveness
Reduced scarring
Convenience
Minimal post-surgical discomfort
Shorter healing time

The cure rate for Mohs surgery is higher than 99% for new skin cancers, and 95% for those that have recurred. Additionally, because the method is so exact, there is little destruction of healthy tissue adjacent to the skin cancer.

Are there side effects or scarring from Mohs surgery?

While Mohs surgery requires much less repair than other techniques, Dr. Reed understands the ongoing impact that scarring can have on a skin cancer patient. As a plastic surgeon, his focus is on repairs and wound closure for the least amount of scarring possible.

Are you a strong candidate for Mohs skin cancer removal surgery? Schedule your first appointment with DermASAP today to find out or book an appointment online.

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