Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, about 9,500 U.S. citizens are diagnosed annually, with one in five developing skin cancer within their lifetime. While sun safety practices are essential to skin health, Charleston Dermatology is here for you should prevention not be enough.

We are proud to support Lowcountry skin cancer patients in their time of need with Mohs surgery services offered at our North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and West Ashley offices. 

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the least invasive, most successful skin cancer treatment available today – up to 99% cure rate. Unlike other treatments, Mohs surgery allows surgeons to precisely identify where cancer begins and ends. 

Using microscopic analysis, your board-certified dermatologist or surgeon removes skin cancer cells layer by layer, carefully examining each to ensure the entire cancer is safely extracted while only removing the cancerous tissue – no more, no less. Because Mohs surgery requires such extensive training, you can rest assured you are always receiving the gold standard of care.

How is Mohs surgery performed?

Due to the minimal invasiveness of this procedure, Mohs surgery is often performed in a medical office – not a hospital. Patients typically remain awake during the surgery while the tumor/cancerous region is numbed with anesthetics. This step results in a painless operation.

Your board-certified dermatologist will then remove the cancerous skin and examine each layer until cancer is no longer visible in the samples. After this, they will determine the best course for repairing the area. Depending on the size of the site, your options can range from self-healing to stitches or even a skin graft or flap.

Is Mohs surgery right for me?

This technique is most commonly used to remove basal and squamous cell carcinomas (responsible for nearly 3 million annual U.S. skin cancer cases). Mohs is recommended for these cancers under the following circumstances:

• If the cancer is located in an area with minimal skin tissue, such as the head and neck.
• If cancer returned after treatment
• If the cancer is aggressive

While this treatment is often used against carcinomas, it can be used to treat other skin cancers and conditions: 

• Early stage melanoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Extramammary Paget’s disease

Our board-certified dermatologists are here for you.

At Charleston Dermatology, our team of board-certified dermatologists is here to help you conquer your skincare challenges. Using our years of expertise, we educate you on your skin, its unique needs, and how to attain healthy, happy, glowing skin. Visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. Contact us to learn more about our Mohs surgery offerings at our skin cancer treatment options.