Central Dermatology Center, with eight locations across North Carolina, provides advanced care for individuals diagnosed with skin cancer, including Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancers. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and early detection and precise treatment are critical for the best outcomes. Mohs surgery offers a tissue-sparing approach that maximizes removal of cancerous cells while preserving healthy skin.

Understanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably. The most common forms include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While basal and squamous cell carcinomas tend to grow slowly, melanoma can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Risk factors for skin cancer include excessive sun exposure, fair skin, a history of sunburns, family history, and weakened immune function. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are essential for early detection and effective treatment.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to remove skin cancers with the highest possible cure rate while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. During the procedure, the dermatologist removes the visible tumor and examines thin layers of surrounding skin under a microscope in real-time. This process continues until no cancer cells remain, ensuring complete removal of the malignancy. Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for cancers located on the face, neck, hands, or other areas where preserving healthy tissue is important for both function and appearance.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery offers several advantages compared with traditional excisional methods. It provides the highest cure rate for most skin cancers, reduces the risk of recurrence, and allows for maximum preservation of surrounding healthy tissue. This is especially valuable for patients with large or aggressive tumors or those in cosmetically sensitive areas. Additionally, the procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, allowing for a quicker recovery.

The Procedure and Recovery

During Mohs surgery at Central Dermatology Center, patients remain awake under local anesthesia, and the procedure may take several hours depending on the size and complexity of the cancer. After the cancerous tissue is fully removed, the dermatologist may close the wound with stitches or recommend additional reconstruction to optimize healing and appearance. Post-procedure care involves keeping the area clean, monitoring for signs of infection, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and early detection of any new lesions.

Taking the Next Step for Skin Health

Early detection and treatment are critical when managing skin cancer. Central Dermatology Center, with eight locations across North Carolina, offers specialized care and Mohs micrographic surgery to provide effective, tissue-sparing treatment for skin cancer. To schedule an appointment and take the next step in protecting your skin, call (919) 401-1994.