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The steps involved in Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer
Have you recently received a diagnosis of skin cancer? While the “C word” can be scary, certain types of cancer can be treated more easily than others. Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age and should be screened at least once a year with a dermatologist. When areas of concern are spotted and a biopsy comes back showing cancer cells, treatment options should be discussed and acted upon as soon as possible. One common treatment is Mohs micrographic surgery. At Precision Skin & Body Institute, our doctors can break down the steps to expect during this excision treatment so there are no surprises in your cancer treatment journey!
What are the steps involved in Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a great method of removing skin cancer with complete precision! This specialized procedure ensures minimal damage to healthy tissue while identifying and removing affected cells layer by layer. The process ensures the best results.
Below are the five steps involved in the Mohs micrographic surgery procedure for skin cancer:
- Mapping the area: First, your surgeon at Precision Skin & Body Institute marks the area to be treated. It creates a map of your skin, ensuring every centimeter is accounted for. This step guides the process and ensures nothing gets missed.
- Removing the first layer: With great care, our surgeon removes the thin top layer of the affected area. This removes only the part where the cancer cells are likely hiding and is taken away. This always happens under local anesthesia, so you stay comfortable and pain-free during your treatment.
- Examination of samples: The removed tissue is then examined under a microscope. Here’s where the real-world magic happens! The surgeon checks the entire edge of the layer to see if any cancer cells are still around.
- Continued removal of cancerous skin: If cancer cells are detected, the surgeon returns to the “mapped” area and removes another thin layer, just from the spots where problem cells were spotted. The process repeats, layer after layer, until no more cancer cells are found.
- Finishing treatment: Once the cancer is gone, your surgeon repairs the area. Depending on the size and location of the treated area, this could involve stitches, a small graft, or letting it heal naturally. Either way, the focus is on restoring your skin’s function and appearance as beautifully as possible.
By the end, you’ll know your procedure was thorough and precise, leaving no room for unwanted cells to linger.
Who can I contact to find out more about Mohs surgery for skin cancer?
Our doctors at Precision Skin & Body Institute understand how defeating a skin cancer diagnosis can be, but know how to provide an early diagnosis and effective treatment to get your skin back to health! If you live in or around the Davie, Florida area and want to speak to our professionals about your options for skin cancer removal or treatment, call (954) 998-0345 to request an upcoming visit with our team.
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Lesley Clark-Loeser MD, FAAD
Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training in dermatology and dermatopharmacology, and the Co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute®. She completed her education and fellowships at prestigious institutions such as George Washington University, New York University School of Medicine, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Clark-Loeser is the Co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute®. She has authored numerous professional publications and served as an investigator in over 25 clinical trials. Passionate about community education and giving back, she actively contributes to her field while maintaining memberships in several key dermatology organizations.
Marianna Blyumin-Karasik MD, FAAD
Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical, and integrative dermatology. She co-founded Precision Skin & Body Institute® and launched Stamina®️ Cosmetics, a skincare line focused on enhancing skin resilience. With over a decade of experience and numerous accolades, Dr. Blyumin-Karasik is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. Fluent in Russian and proficient in medical Spanish, she is committed to promoting lifelong skincare and wellness through a holistic approach.
Jordan Rosen MD, FAAD
Dr. Jordan D. Rosen is a board-certified dermatologist with a passion for medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He completed his undergraduate degree at Emory University, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors, and his medical degree from the University of Miami, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Rosen trained at the University of Miami / Jackson Health System and has authored over 15 articles in leading medical journals. A South Florida native, he is dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to the community he knows and loves.