A skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming enough on its own. You should not have to also worry about navigating your treatment options alone. At Charleston Dermatology, we’re committed to providing our patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health – Mohs surgery is one treatment option we urge skin cancer patients to explore. 

What is Mohs surgery?

Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer. This precise technique involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment—up to 99% for previously untreated skin cancer and up to 94% for recurring cases. An added bonus? Mohs surgery is minimally invasive and can be performed on-site in your board-certified dermatologist’s office. 

Charleston Dermatology is proud to provide Lowcountry skin care patients access to this vital service at our West Ashley Mohs Surgery Center.

“Is Mohs surgery right for me?”

Mohs surgery is most commonly recommended for basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), particularly those in areas where cosmetic outcomes are important or the cancer is at a high risk of recurrence. 

However, while this surgery is commonly to remove BCC and SCC, Mohs surgery is also applicable to other conditions These include early-stage melanoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma and extramammary Paget’s disease in some instances.

Mohs surgery is ideal if your skin cancer is large, has indistinct edges or is located in a cosmetically sensitive area (like the face, ears or hands).

Additional Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Aside from its impressive effectiveness, Mohs surgery provides several additional benefits that make it an excellent choice for qualifying skin cancer patients. These include:

• Precision: By examining each layer of tissue as it’s removed, dermatologic surgeons can ensure that all cancerous cells are eliminated, minimizing the risk of recurrence.

• Tissue-Sparing: Because Mohs surgery targets only cancerous tissue, it preserves as much healthy tissue as possible.

• Cost-Effective: This outpatient surgery, involving on-site lab work and anesthesia, helps patients avoid the typical exorbitant costs associated with hospital visits.

Our Board-Certified Dermatologists Are Ready to Help

Remember, early detection and treatment are key to successfully managing skin cancer. If you have concerns about your skin health, contact our team at Charleston Dermatology. Your skin’s health is our top priority, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Schedule your skin care appointment today!