Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery in Aurora, CO

Mohs Surgery: Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment

At Beyond Skin Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing the most effective treatments for skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized and precise procedure that offers the highest cure rates for certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and select cases of melanoma. It is widely recognized for its ability to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a technique developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and has since become the gold standard for treating many types of skin cancer. Unlike traditional excision methods, Mohs surgery involves the systematic removal and microscopic examination of cancerous tissue layer by layer. This approach ensures that all cancer cells are removed while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

How Does Mohs Surgery Work?

  1. Local Anesthesia: The procedure begins with numbing the treatment area using local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient.
  2. Layer-by-Layer Removal: The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue from the affected area.
  3. Microscopic Examination: Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, the surgeon continues to remove additional layers, focusing only on areas where cancer remains.
  4. Finalization: Once all cancer cells are removed, the wound is assessed and reconstructed as needed to optimize healing and cosmetic results.

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

  • High Cure Rate: Mohs surgery offers a cure rate of up to 99% for primary skin cancers and 94% for recurrent cancers. This makes it one of the most effective treatments available.
  • Precision and Tissue Preservation: By targeting only cancerous cells, Mohs surgery spares as much healthy tissue as possible, which is especially important in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, such as the face, ears, or hands.
  • Immediate Results: The immediate microscopic examination of tissue allows for same-day confirmation that all cancer has been removed, eliminating the need for multiple procedures.

Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is recommended for skin cancers located in areas where tissue preservation is crucial or when the cancer is large, aggressive, or has recurred after previous treatment. It is particularly effective for:

  • Skin cancers on the face, neck, hands, and feet
  • Aggressive or fast-growing cancers
  • Cancers with poorly defined borders
  • Recurrent skin cancers

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients can return to daily activities shortly after the procedure. Depending on the size and location of the treated area, sutures or grafts may be used to aid healing. Follow-up visits ensure proper recovery and monitor for any signs of recurrence.

At Beyond Skin Dermatology, our board-certified Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Maggie Kober combines expertise and compassion to deliver the highest standard of care. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or need a second opinion, schedule a consultation with our team to discuss how Mohs surgery can benefit you.

Interested in learning more about how Beyond Skin Dermatology can help you? Call us at (720) 443 0579 or request an appointment today!