Mohs Surgery

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is a revolutionary technique that removes cancerous skin cells while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding the lesion. At Z-ROC Dermatology, Dr. Wongkittiroch uses this method to remove skin cancer bit by bit, examining each layer for cancer cells and identifying the precise border between healthy and affected tissue.

After the procedure, the Mohs surgeon uses surgical techniques to minimize scarring. These could include a minor skin graft or flap, or simply closing the wound with stitches. In some cases, the wound can be left open to heal with minimal scarring.

Because Dr. Wongkittiroch examines each layer of skin under a microscope as they are removed, she can ensure that no cancer cells remain, greatly improving your outcome and reducing the likelihood of your cancer returning.

Who is a candidate for Mohs surgery?

While Mohs surgery is not an effective treatment for melanoma, there are several common scenarios where it can effectively treat non-melanoma cancers, such as squamous or basal cell carcinoma. These scenarios include:

• Skin that has been treated with radiation
• Areas where skin cancer has grown into scar tissue
• Areas of constant inflammation with skin cancer
• Recurrences of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Skin cancers that were not removed completely
• Skin cancers with undefined borders

Dr. Wongkittiroch is a fellow member of the American Society of Mohs Surgery and is experienced in not only performing the procedure but determining the cases in which the treatment is likely to provide the greatest chance of success.

What are the benefits of Mohs surgery?

There are several benefits to having a skilled microsurgeon perform Mohs surgery for skin cancer, including:

• Minimal scarring
• Faster recovery
• Higher cure rates
• Reduced likelihood of cancer recurrence

A skin cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but most skin cancers can be treated successfully and many are not life-threatening. Dr. Wongkittiroch and the staff at Z-ROC Dermatology understand the stress and anxiety that accompany a skin cancer diagnosis, and they provide treatment in a caring, compassionate setting.

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect skin cancer, call Z-ROC Dermatology today or book an appointment online.