Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The Gold Standard for Skin Cancer Treatment

With the only Mohs surgeon in the Wesley Chapel area, you can trust 360 Dermatology for advanced skin cancer treatment in Tampa. Our Mohs skin cancer surgery leaves minimal scarring, ensuring the best care for your skin cancer needs.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery, developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, is a precise technique designed for treating skin cancer. The procedure involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue, which are then examined under a microscope to ensure all cancerous cells are removed. This allows for the removal of as much cancerous tissue as possible while preserving healthy skin.

The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically begin in the epidermis and can spread to the dermis and subcutaneous layers if untreated. Mohs surgery targets the cancerous cells in the epidermis and dermis, ensuring complete removal while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This approach is particularly beneficial for cancers in areas like the face, where preserving skin integrity is crucial.

Because Mohs surgery removes tissue layer by layer, it reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and promotes faster recovery compared to traditional methods. Its precision makes it especially effective for aggressive cancers, offering higher cure rates and minimal scarring.

Why Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery?

Skin cancer is a serious diagnosis that requires careful consideration of treatment options. When it comes to certain types of skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery stands out for several reasons:

• High Success Rate: Mohs skin cancer surgery boasts a remarkable success rate, often exceeding 99% for specific skin cancer types. This procedure is particularly effective at removing cancerous tissue while preserving healthy skin, making it an excellent choice for cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas.
• Tissue Conservation: Mohs surgery is a tissue-conserving procedure. It involves the progressive removal of cancerous tissue in thin layers, followed by immediate processing and examination. Ensuring that only cancerous tissue is removed, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
• On-Site Laboratory: One unique aspect of Mohs skin cancer surgery is the presence of an on-site laboratory. The removed tissue is processed and analyzed during the same appointment. This real-time assessment allows for immediate decisions regarding further tissue removal if cancer cells are still present.
• Treat Various Skin Cancer Types: Mohs surgery is an ideal treatment for several types of skin cancers, including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Highly Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon in Tampa

Our team of expert dermatologists boasts a Mohs surgeon who has mastered this advanced technique under the guidance of leading authorities at the University of Wisconsin. At 360 Dermatology, our unwavering commitment to patient well-being and our extensive proficiency in Mohs surgery have earned our Mohs surgeon the esteemed designation of Fellow within the American Society of Mohs Surgery. This distinguished recognition is reserved for a select group who have proven their exceptional expertise through a rigorous examination and a track record of successful cases, all endorsed by esteemed Mohs surgery experts.

Mohs Surgery Procedure

Mohs surgery is a meticulously performed procedure designed to remove skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. Here is an overview of the procedure:

• Local Anesthesia

  The process begins with administering local anesthesia to numb the area around the cancerous lesion. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

• Initial Tissue Removal

  Our Mohs surgeon will carefully remove the visible portion of the skin cancer along with a thin margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The excised tissue is divided into sections and labeled for precise mapping.

• On-Site Laboratory Analysis

  One of the distinctive features of Mohs surgery is the immediate examination of the removed tissue. The excised tissue is processed in an on-site laboratory, and the slides are meticulously examined under a microscope. This step allows for the real-time assessment of whether cancer cells are still present in the surgical margins.

• Iterative Process

  If cancer cells are detected in the examined tissue, the surgeon identifies the exact location and returns to that specific area to remove another layer of tissue. This process is repeated until there is no evidence of cancer cells under the microscope.

• Closure

  Wound closure and reconstruction are addressed once all cancerous tissue is removed. This may involve sutures, skin grafts, or other techniques to minimize scarring and preserve the cosmetic appearance of the treated area.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Precise cancer removal reduces the emotional and physical toll, fostering a confident recovery.
• Streamlined Recovery Process: The minimally invasive nature of the surgery promotes quicker healing and fewer complications.
• Reduced Downtime: Patients can resume normal activities sooner, thanks to its targeted approach.
• Comprehensive Care: Mohs surgery’s meticulous technique ensures fewer repeat treatments, enhancing peace of mind for Tampa patients.
• Optimized Health Outcomes: Effective management of skin cancer contributes to overall well-being and improved long-term health.

Mohs Surgery Recovery and Cosmetic Outcome

At 360 Dermatology, your health and appearance are equally important. Our team’s expertise extends beyond cancer removal, emphasizing a high rate of cancer-free success while maximizing the cosmetic outcome. We understand that feeling confident in your appearance is crucial. In complex cases or upon request, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon is available on-site during the initial procedure, enhancing the potential for an excellent cosmetic result.

Your input matters; we work closely with you to achieve the cosmetic outcome you desire while ensuring the complete removal of cancerous tissue. Our commitment is to preserve your health and your natural appearance.

Risks and Side Effects

While Mohs surgery is generally safe and highly effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries certain risks and potential side effects, including:

• Some bleeding is normal during and after the surgery.
• Risk of infection at the surgical site, although this is relatively rare.
• Possible scarring, especially in areas where the skin is stretched.
• Some pain or discomfort during the recovery period.
• Temporary numbness in the treated area due to the local anesthesia.
• The possibility of cancer recurrence.

These risks are, however, significantly reduced when following our surgery recovery guidelines. Your comfort, safety, and successful outcome are our top priorities.

Elevating Standards of Care With Mohs Surgery in Tampa

Skin cancer is a serious condition, but with the advanced techniques and expertise available at 360 Dermatology, you can trust that you will receive the highest standard of care. Mohs micrographic surgery offers an unparalleled combination of effectiveness and cosmetic preservation. Book your appointment today, we aim to provide an exceptional patient experience. For your convenience, we have offices located in Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Trinity, Spring Hill and Clearwater.

Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery FAQs

How Painful Is The Mohs Procedure?

Mohs surgery is designed to minimize discomfort using local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area. Patients typically feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. Post-operative soreness is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Why Are Mohs Scars So Big?

Scar size depends on the cancer’s location, size, and depth. Mohs surgery strategically minimizes scarring by precisely targeting only cancerous tissue. Despite this, larger or deeper cancers may require more extensive removal, influencing scar dimensions. While scarring is a concern, our distinguished plastic surgeon offers compassionate care to address and minimize the appearance of scars, helping patients feel more confident in their post-surgery results.

What Is The Life Expectancy After Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Life expectancy is influenced by the type, stage, and treatment of skin cancer. Mohs surgery has high cure rates, particularly for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, reducing the likelihood of recurrence and supporting long-term health.

When Is Mohs Surgery Not Recommended?

Mohs surgery may not be necessary for small, low-risk cancers treatable with simpler methods. Conditions like widespread metastatic cancers, or patients with contraindications for surgery, may require alternative treatments tailored to their specific needs.