Who Is a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Woman pointing to cancerous mole on her neck, who may be candidate for Mohs surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer, offering the highest cure rate for conditions like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. But is it the right skin cancer treatment for everyone?

At West Virginia Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center in South Charleston, Dr. David W. Judy, a board-certified dermatologist, performs Mohs surgery for patients who need a targeted approach to skin cancer treatment. With his extensive experience and training, you can be confident in his high-quality care.

Who Should Consider Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer?

We often recommend Mohs surgery for patients with skin cancer in sensitive or high-risk areas, such as the face, neck, ears, scalp, or hands. These areas are aesthetically and functionally important, so we want to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery allows Dr. Judy to examine each layer of skin removed during the procedure to make sure he’s removed all cancerous cells while leaving the unaffected skin intact.

You may also be a candidate for Mohs surgery if:

  • Your skin cancer has recurred after previous treatment
  • The cancer is large or growing aggressively
  • The edges of the tumor are difficult to define
  • You have a type of skin cancer that is known to be particularly aggressive

When Mohs Surgery Isn’t Recommended

While Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Patients with small, non-aggressive skin cancers in areas where there aren’t cosmetic or functional concerns may be better treated with traditional excision or another less invasive option.

Mohs surgery may not be ideal for patients with conditions that make surgery more risky, such as severe bleeding disorders or intolerance of local anesthesia. 

Some skin cancers, such as certain types of melanoma, might require different treatment approaches, like wide local excision or immunotherapy. 

Discuss Your Mohs Surgery Options With Dr. Judy

If you think you may be a candidate for Mohs surgery or are concerned about a suspicious spot on your skin, Dr. Judy and the team at West Virginia Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center are here to help. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your treatment options by calling 304-925-7546.

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Fri: 7:30am - 12:00pm
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