Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery for University Place / Tacoma, and Puyallup

Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery offers patients of Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., from the University Place / Tacoma and Puyallup areas the best outlook of any skin cancer procedure. The procedure was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs and has since been refined and improved. Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery provides the highest cure rate for most common skin cancers, even for patients whose skin cancer has resisted other treatments. The Mohs Skin Cancer surgery procedure is also extremely precise and is a “tissue-sparing” technique because it preserves as much normal tissue as possible.

Skin Cancer
The Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Procedure

Skin Cancer

As with most forms of cancer, the causes of skin cancer are not fully understood. Excessive exposure to sunlight, particularly when it results in sunburn, is considered to be the single greatest risk factor. Genetic factors are also important.

The three most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and is the least dangerous. Early detection is the key to the best treatment results. The most common presentation is a persistent, non-healing sore; however, it can look like an irritated reddish patch or a scar. The second most common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, usually appears as a rapidly growing rough red bump that may bleed or ulcerate. It is more prone to spreading to other body areas than basal cell carcinoma. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of common skin cancer. It appears as a dark growth on the skin that may bleed. Melanoma will occasionally develop in preexisting moles. Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery is often used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas and in some cases of melanoma.

The Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Procedure

Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery requires a great deal of skill and experience. First, the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic. The surgeon removes the visible tumor and stops any bleeding using electrocautery. The area is bandaged while the tissue is examined in the laboratory, which usually takes about 30 minutes. If examination reveals that the tumor has not been completely removed, the procedure will be repeated – removing only the necessary tissue – until no cancer remains. After the cancer is completely gone, the area is usually repaired with stitches. These will be removed in one to two weeks.

While some skin cancer may remain undetected after a standard excision, the Mohs Skin Cancer surgery specialist can verify that all cancerous tissue is removed before completing the procedure. Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery is considered the best treatment for many types of skin cancer.

Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., is fortunate to have on staff Dr. Maureen Mooney, a fellowship trained mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery specialist. Dr. Mooney is the most experienced fellowship-trained Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgeon in the University Place / Tacoma and Puyallup areas. Dr. Mooney is renowned for her skill, outstanding success rate, and excellent cosmetic results.

Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C.

If you suspect that you have skin cancer of any kind, see a qualified dermatologist as soon as possible. The earlier skin cancer is treated, the more effective the treatment is likely to be. Contact Cascade today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about Mohs’ micrographic skin cancer surgery for patients from University Place / Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and the surrounding area.

Contact Cascade to find out more about Mohs Skin Cancer surgery in the University Place / Tacoma and Puyallup area.