Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for removing basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) with an astounding 98% cure rate. During surgery, your Mohs surgeon serves as both pathologist and reconstructive surgeon and examines all of the excised tissue under a microscope to ensure that all the cancerous tissue has been eliminated. This allows your Mohs surgeon to remove all of the cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The success of this procedure relies on the accuracy of evaluating the skin cancer with a microscope and the precision of its removal by the surgeon.
Mohs surgery is indicated for skin cancers that arise in critical locations on the face, grow rapidly or have failed prior treatment. The technique provides the highest possible cure rate while minimizing the cosmetic impact. Each stage of the procedure consists of excising the tissue containing cancer, processing the excised tissue in the lab, and examining the tissue under the microscope. Most cancers are completely removed in 1 or 2 stages. The wound is usually repaired on the same day.
Post-surgical appointments will be necessary for suture removal and monitoring wound healing. After Mohs surgery, it is important to continue skin care and skin cancer monitoring on a regular basis.
Besides Mohs surgery, there are other treatments for skin cancer including conventional excision, curettage, and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning), cryotherapy (freezing), and radiation therapy (x-ray treatments).
Our Mohs Surgeons
Elliot Love, DO
Dr. W. Elliot Love has clinical interests in Cutaneous Oncology, Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Surgery. Formerly at the Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth Medical Center, he joined our practice in 2015.
Jon C. Ter Poorten, MD
Dr. Jon C. Ter Poorten is a member of FAAD, and a Fellow of the ACMS and AOA. In practice since 2000, he specializes in skin cancer, primarily seeing adult and elderly patients.