Mohs Surgery

Performed by our Board Certified Dermatologist

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective skin cancer treatment options. This procedure can treat most types of skin cancers. In fact, Mohs surgeries have a success rate of up to 99%. Mohs unique procedure involves precisely identifying and removing skin cancer tissues layer by layer while leaving the surrounding healthy tissues intact and unharmed. The removed skin cancer layers are microscopically examined ensuring complete cancer removal during the surgery. Since this procedure minimizes the loss of healthy tissue, the functional and cosmetic outcome is maximized. When you contact Hightower Dermatology to schedule your appointment for a Mohs surgery consultation, our doctors will walk you through the steps of the procedure and answer any questions that you may have.  Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure which is performed by our Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Hightower.

What Types of Skin Cancer is Mohs Surgery used to Treat?

Mohs Surgery is appropriate for most types of skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, Mohs surgery can also be used to treat some kinds of melanoma and other unusual skin cancers. Mohs surgery is especially suitable for skin cancers that:

  • Are located in areas where it is important to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible (i.e. on the face, hands, feet and genitals)
  • Is located near scar tissue
  • Is large, aggressive or growing at a rapid rate
  • Does not have clearly defined bordered
  • Has a high risk of reoccurring or has reoccurred after previous treatment

Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancers come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Seek medical attention at the first sign of unusual changes in the skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common cancer in the world is skin cancer. There is more than one type of skin cancer, however, some of which are more dangerous or more easily treated than others. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. At Hightower Dermatology, our team of medical professionals will carefully evaluate and diagnose your symptoms and work with you to develop the best treatment plan.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Cancer may present itself as a rash, a sore, a scaly patch of skin, a scar with a waxy texture, a growth beneath the skin or even a pimple that doesn’t seem to go away. Skin cancer typically develops on areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms or hands, etc. It is also common for skin cancer to have an appearance similar to a mole or to start within a mole.

Treatment Options

Skin cancer often occurs in areas of the skin that have been damaged by the sun, radiation or chemical exposure, although they may occur anywhere on the body – including in the mouth. Fortunately, there are many highly effective treatments for skin cancer, including:

  • Surgical removal of the cancer
  • Topical Treatment
  • Cryosurgery
  • Immunotherapy
  • Photodynamic Therapy

In some cases, radiation and chemotherapy are necessary to treat advanced skin cancers.