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Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer. With early detection and proper treatment, most are curable.  For more than two decades, Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness has been dedicated to helping people protect, rejuvenate and repair their skin. Age Defy offers state-of-the-art solutions for patients with cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Common approaches include scraping, burning, freezing and cutting.  In additional, Dr. Rick Noodleman often recommends a more specialized treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery. 

Simply put, Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise removal of the skin cancer layer by layer, with the help of a microscope. First, the visible tumor is removed. Next, successive layers of skin are surgically removed (one layer at a time) until microscopic examination reveals no further cancer cells.  Mohs surgery allows us to reliably and completely remove most skin cancers.  The technique ensures that the edges (margins) are “clear” so that all the tumor is removed in real time.  Dr. Noodleman served a fellowship in dermatologic (Mohs) surgery at Duke University Medical Center.  He has more than 20 years experience with successful Mohs treatment for skin cancers. 

The Benefits Of Mohs Surgery Include: 

• The highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas (Source:The Skin Cancer Foundation). 
• For locally recurrent skin cancers, cure rates of 95 - 97%.
• Removal of parts of the tumor that may not be visible to the naked eye, hence, its high cure rate. 
• No need for general anesthesia; performed on an outpatient basis. 
• The least amount of tissue removal possible due to its precise approach offering excellent cosmetic results.

Yearly skin cancer screening checks will help detect any potential skin problems. Remember, early detection and treatment is essential to the successful treatment of skin cancer and other skin conditions.