Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is an advanced surgical procedure for the removal of skin cancer. It is designed to successfully treat particularly challenging types of skin cancer, such as those located on the face, as well as cancers that have recurred after previous treatment. It offers the highest cure rate available of any treatment available today. Dr. Steven Marcet, our Mohs surgeon, has completed an intensive fellowship training through the American College of Mohs surgery in order to deliver the highest quality care. While others may claim to be Mohs surgeons, only those who have completed a fellowship certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery [www.mohscollege.org] have undergone this rigorous additional training in surgery, pathology, and reconstructive surgery after cancer removal. There is no substitute for this subspecialty training, and Avail Dermatology is proud that our surgeon is fully certified.

Using Mohs surgery, the physician can remove the skin cancer while sparing as much healthy skin as possible. By preserving normal skin, Mohs surgery results in smaller scars. The cancer is removed one layer at a time. The Mohs technique allows immediate processing of the tissue, while the patient waits in the office. This allows the surgeon to see exactly where the cancer is located, with the aid of a microscope. If there is any additional cancer, the physician can remove more tissue only in the exact area where the tumor persists. This allows for the maximum preservation of normal skin while ensuring that no cancer is left behind.

The cure rate with Mohs surgery has been documented in numerous studies at 99%. This minimizes the ability of cancer returning along with decreasing the chances of significant scarring. Mohs surgery is also the treatment of choice for skin cancers that have reoccurred following other treatments.

The surgery is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting using local anesthesia. The patient is NOT put to sleep. The removal of the cancer and reconstruction are almost always performed all on the same day.  The Mohs surgeon has been trained in reconstruction of skin cancers thus allowing the wound to be repaired in a cosmetically acceptable fashion. This can be performed by simple closure with sutures, or using advanced techniques including flaps, or grafts for more challenging repairs.

Numerous studies have shown that Mohs surgery is very cost effective compared to other treatments.  It is less expensive than radiation therapy or surgery performed in a hospital or surgery center.  Mohs surgery reduces the risk of the skin cancer returning thus avoiding more costly advanced surgery. The result is that the patient can be confident in getting the highest cure rate, best cosmetic outcome, and most cost-effective treatment for his or her skin.

View frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning Mohs Surgeries

Why Choose a Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon?

Mohs micrographic surgery has set a new standard in skin cancer treatment. An increasing number of physicians are performing Mohs surgery, which is now widely accepted as the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. However, not all Mohs surgeons receive the same level of training as Dr. Marcet, a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.
When it comes to your skin cancer treatment, you deserve no less than the best. Dr. Marcet has achieved the highest degree of Mohs surgery qualification by completing an American College of Mohs Surgery approved fellowship. For you, this means peace of mind, knowing that you will receive superior quality and competency, as well as an optimal outcome.

Dr. Marcet and ACMS – Committed to Superior Care

The ACMS (http://www.skincancermohssurgery.org/) was established by Dr. Frederic Mohs himself, and its fellowship training program is generally acknowledged as the benchmark in Mohs surgery training. Through an extensive application and interview process, only the most qualified physicians are selected by ACMS to participate in a fellowship program. Participants must undergo a rigorous 1 to 2 year training program subsequent to completing a residency in dermatology.
During fellowship training, Dr. Marcet studied and trained under the guidance of veteran Mohs College surgeons who have demonstrated expertise in Mohs surgery. A cornerstone of the ACMS fellowship training program is cultivating experience and judgment in each graduate. Since skin cancer occurs in a diversity of forms, degrees and locations, the program is set up to be thorough and stringent. Dr. Marcet met the following requirements in completing his ACMS fellowship:

• Participated in a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases
• Learned to accurately interpret slides of tissue samples removed during Mohs surgery
• Performed a vast array of reconstructions, ranging from the simplest to the most complex, multi-step repairs

As an ACMS graduate, Dr. Marcet gained an uncommon level of exposure, including everything from challenging tumor locations to rare tumor pathology and complex wound reconstruction. You can rest assured that he has the training and experience to achieve the best outcome from your skin cancer treatment.