Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for skin cancer removal.
Dr. Christiansen and Dr. Spenceri are board certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeons with over 35 years combined experience. They are both proud to be fellows of the American College of Mohs Surgery and underwent rigorous fellowship training in the removal of skin cancer with advanced reconstruction.
What is Mohs Micrographic surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for skin cancer removal. Pioneered by Dr. Frederick Mohs, its namesake, Mohs surgery has evolved into the most advanced and cost-effective skin cancer treatment available today. It is recommended for most high-risk skin cancers and when seeking the best cosmetic outcome.
Dr. Christiansen and Dr. Spenceri are fellows of the American College of Mohs Surgery and is specially trained in the removal of skin cancer. They will remove your cancer with the smallest margins possible and analyze the slides themselves in our CLIA certified laboratory. If additional skin cancer is present at the margins, he will continue the process of precisely mapping out the cancer until complete clearance is achieved. This approach ensures that your cancer is removed without sacrificing healthy surrounding tissue.
After verifying the skin cancer is removed, they will discuss all options available for healing your surgical site on an individualized basis. Certain locations on the body may be allowed to heal naturally, without advanced reconstruction. If the natural healing approach is used, then you will be provided with special wound care instructions to achieve the best possible cosmetic result. If the defect is larger or unable to heal on its own, then sutures may be used to close the site. A simple line of sutures is often best to minimize the scar appearance over time. In some situations, a more advanced reconstructive option, such as a flap or graft, may be necessary. All repairs can be done safely in the office setting, but occasionally, a patient may be referred to an outside specialist to assist in their repair. We will do our best to coordinate with all outside providers prior to your surgery.
At Resolute Dermatology we utilize a team approach when selecting the best repair option and will tailor your treatment to achieve your personal goals.
Mohs Surgery vs. Standard Surgery
In contrast to traditional skin cancer surgery where a pathologist typically examines 1% of the surgical margins, our providers will examine 100% of the margins themselves. This guarantees you have the lowest risk of recurrence. Our results are reported in hours, instead of days, and allows most patients to undergo same day repair. This technique leads to a cure rate approaching 99% for some skin cancers. Dr. Christiansen and Dr. Spenceri perform the entire Mohs procedure in our office under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered a safer option for most patients when compared to undergoing general anesthesia in an operating room setting.
You can learn more information on Mohs surgery at the ASDS and Mohs college website.
How Are We Different?
Our providers consider their patients and team members health, safety, and well-being his top priority. Smoke evacuators are available to ensure you will have minimal exposure to toxic and carcinogenic fumes. While the literature has consistently demonstrated the dangers of smoke exposure, the use of smoke evacuation is not common in most outpatient clinics. At Resolute Dermatology, we are proud to offer this improved working environment to our patients and staff.
Resolute Dermatology also aims to provide you with the best possible care, while being mindful of your hard-earned healthcare dollars. Our approach to Mohs surgery results in a highly effective treatment without unnecessary expenses.