If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, now is the time to seek the most effective treatment available. Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique for removing skin cancer, ensuring the best cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This approach provides peace of mind, knowing that the cancerous cells are thoroughly removed with minimal impact on your appearance.
Harris Dermatology was one of the first dermatologist’s offices to bring Mohs Surgery to Southwest Florida. Our board-certified dermatologists are trained and proficient in this service that treats and removes cancer.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs is a surgical technique that has stood the test of time. Developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs micrographic surgery has few refinements and has come to be embraced over the past decade by an increasing number of surgeons for an ever-widening variety of skin cancers.
Today, Mohs surgery has come to be accepted as the single most effective technique for removing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (BCCs and SCCs), the two most common skin cancers. This surgery spares the greatest amount of healthy tissue while also most completely expunging cancer cells; cure rates for BCC and SCC are 98% or higher with Mohs, significantly better than the rates for standard excision or any other accepted method.
How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?
Your Mohs surgeon marks the area to be treated and removes the visible cancer, along with a sliver of additional tissue. The removed tissue is carefully marked, creating a Mohs “map.” A technician prepares the specimen for the surgeon to examine it under a microscope.
This careful inspection reveals any hidden microscopic “roots” of skin cancers. If remaining cancer is found, the surgeon can use the map to locate and remove hidden cancerous roots from the patient. This part of the procedure is repeated as many times as necessary to remove all parts of the skin cancer, seen and unseen.
Mohs surgery should only be performed by a specially trained Mohs surgeon. At Harris Dermatology, Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices. You’ll only need a local anesthetic. Most patients report minimal discomfort and enjoy the convenience of onsite care from our Mohs surgical specialists.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Usually, the entire procedure takes fewer than four hours, depending on the hidden extent of the cancer. Most insurance policies cover this method of treatment.
Will Mohs Surgery Leave a Scar?
If you undergo Mohs surgery, you can expect to have a scar. The size and characteristics of your scar will depend on the size of your skin cancer and your body's natural healing process. If you have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scars, your doctor may plan a scar treatment program that includes injections or other treatments that will help your body heal more efficiently.
Scar maturation can take up to one year after the Mohs procedure. During this time, the skin may contract and appear hard or bumpy. This contraction usually peaks four to six weeks after the procedure and then gradually relaxes. The healing process may also involve the development of new blood vessels around the surgical site to facilitate tissue remodeling. New blood vessel formation can cause the scar to look red for some time.
As you recover from your Mohs procedure, your care team will be available to answer questions and discuss the progression of your scar recovery and how to manage it.
What Are the Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Be aware of the common signs of BCC and SCC, which may include the following:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Signs:
- Non-healing sores that may bleed or crust.
- Irritated red areas that may itch or crust.
- Pearly or translucent bumps, often pink, red, or white.
- Elevated growths with a rolled border and central indentation.
- Waxy, white, or yellow areas resembling scars.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Signs:
- Red, rough areas that may crust or bleed.
- Wart-like growths that may crust.
- Persistent sores that may bleed.
- Firm, thickened areas that can be red or pink.
- Raised growths with central depressions that may bleed or itch.
If you notice any of these signs, seek evaluation by a dermatologist promptly. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Who Should Undergo Mohs Surgery?
Mohs is recommended for most patients who have been diagnosed with high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer. Due to the high cure rate and conservation of healthy tissue, Mohs is ideal for treating skin cancers on the ears, lips, eyelids, nose, hands, and feet. It is also performed on genital skin cancers. It can also be performed on intermediate-risk skin cancers on other areas of the face, neck, legs, and scalp, as well as those that have difficult-to-see borders.
Why Choose Harris Dermatology?
At Harris Dermatology, you are in the expert hands of some of the most experienced dermatologists in Southwest Florida. Dr. Brian A. Harris, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, has been dedicated to treating skin cancer since 2001. With training from the Mayo Clinic and a dermatology residency at the University of Miami, Dr. Harris has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2006. His extensive knowledge and commitment to skin cancer treatment have made him a leading dermatologist in the Fort Myers area.
Dr. Keith A. Harris and Dr. H. Ross Harris bring equally impressive credentials and a wealth of experience to Harris Dermatology. Dr. Keith Harris, who has been practicing in Southwest Florida since 1994, is renowned for his expertise in skin cancer treatment. He trained at the University of Miami, where he also completed his residency. Dr. Ross Harris, practicing in Naples since 1997, is double board-certified and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Miami. Together, these skilled physicians ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care, using advanced surgical methods to treat skin cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Mohs Surgery Differ From Other Skin Cancer Removal Techniques?
The Mohs procedure was developed as a way to achieve the best possible results for skin cancer removal. The treatment itself takes longer than most other skin cancer treatments. This is because Mohs is the only method that involves immediate microscopic examination of the removed tissue and its underlying roots. Other methods eliminate cancer cells by either mechanically or chemically destroying them or by excising the known cancerous tissue as well as a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue.
By removing slices of tissue and examining each right away, the Mohs procedure reaches the highest rate of success while remaining the most conservative technique in terms of tissue removal.
What Should I Expect During Mohs Surgery Recovery?
After your Mohs procedure, you can expect minor bruising and swelling. These side effects usually resolve within about a week. You may have some tenderness or soreness in the surgical area. This can be managed with over-the-counter medication taken as directed. You can also apply a cold compress gently over the area for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day as needed.
Will My Activity Be Limited After Surgery?
You will have a few activity restrictions to follow for one week after your Mohs surgery. Primarily, your doctor will advise you to avoid any strenuous activity that could increase your risk of bleeding, bruising, and swelling. You may not need to take any time off work or most normal activities, but you should refrain from exercise that is more rigorous than walking or casually riding a bike. If you've had Mohs surgery on your head, neck, or face, you should avoid activities that require you to bend over, such as yoga.
Is Mohs Surgery Painful?
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some pressure or minor discomfort, but it is typically well-tolerated. After the procedure, any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What Are the Risks of Mohs Surgery?
While Mohs surgery is considered safe and effective, it does carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, pain at the surgical site, and scarring. Rarely, there may be nerve damage, but this is uncommon. Discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon before the procedure.
How Do I Care for the Wound After Mohs Surgery?
After Mohs surgery, follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to promote healing and minimize scarring. Typically, this involves keeping the area clean and dry, applying prescribed ointments, and changing dressings as directed. Avoid strenuous activities that could affect the surgical site and watch for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Schedule Your Mohs Surgery Consultation Today
For more information on treating skin cancer with Mohs Surgery, contact Harris Dermatology today. Whether you're seeking a second opinion or ready to schedule your procedure, we are here to help.
Our practice serves Naples (239-596-1848), Fort Myers (239-936-3344), and the surrounding areas of South Western Florida.