Mohs surgery is a specialized technique of removing skin cancer that minimizes scarring and provides the highest cure rates. It is the ideal treatment for most non-melanoma skin cancers on the head and neck, those that have recurred from previous treatment or those that don't have well defined borders. Mohs surgery is safely and effectively performed in the office setting by a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon.
Once the skin cancer is removed, there are many options for reconstruction. These include skin flaps, skin grafts, and "primary" closure (where the wound edges are brought together "side-by-side"). In some circumstances, letting the wound heal by itself is the preferred option.
Thin melanomas are usually managed with either standard excision or a" staged" excision approach, depending on the location and characteristics of the tumor. In most cases, melanoma surgery is performed safely and effectively in the office-based setting under local anesthesia. Thin melanomas do not typically require chemotherapy or radiation, but close follow-up with a dermatology provider for ongoing skin checks is important
Other skin cancer options include simple excision, electrodesiccation and curettage ("scraping and burning"), radiation, cryotherapy ("freezing"), and topical medications. Dr. Spenceri can help you determine the best treatment option to meet your needs.