Understanding Mohs Surgery: A Precise Approach to Skin Cancer Treatment

At the office of Dr. Manuel Hernandez in Port Charlotte, FL, serving patients in Punta Gorda and Arcadia, Mohs surgery is offered as a specialized, highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer. This advanced technique is designed to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, making it especially valuable for cancers in sensitive or high-risk areas such as the face, hands, or ears.

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs surgery is performed in a step-by-step set of carefully controlled steps. First, the dermatologist removes a thin slice of skin containing the cancer. That tissue is examined under a microscope at once to determine if there are any leftover cancer cells. If there are still cancer cells, another layer is removed and examined. This process continues until the margins are clear and all cancerous tissue has been removed.

Because tissue is examined immediately, Mohs surgery can completely remove cancer and spare healthy tissue. Because it is so precise, cure rates of up to 99 percent are possible for some types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?

While Mohs surgery is not necessary for all skin cancers, it is often recommended in specific situations, including:

• Cancers located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, such as the nose, lips, eyelids, or hands
• Skin cancers that have recurred after previous treatment
• Tumors with aggressive growth patterns or unclear borders

Dr. Hernandez will thoroughly evaluate whether Mohs surgery is the most effective and appropriate treatment for your diagnosis.

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

The most significant benefit of Mohs surgery is its precision. Because the dermatologist examines each layer of tissue during the procedure, all cancerous cells can be identified and removed while healthy tissue around the area is spared. This reduces the risk of recurrence, reduces scarring, and helps maintain the treated area's function and appearance.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and want to explore whether Mohs surgery is right for you, Dr. Manuel Hernandez in Port Charlotte, FL, serving Punta Gorda and Arcadia, is here to help. Call (941) 764-7773 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward expert, personalized care.