Mohs surgery: Specialized skin cancer treatment in Westlake, OH

Mohs surgery is not new – it was developed in 1938 by Frederic E. Mohs, a general surgeon. However, with advances in instruments, this meticulous technique continues to advance. The Mohs procedure can now be used for the treatment of a broader range of skin cancers, with excellent cure rates and minimal tissue trauma. Associates in Dermatology brings this service to patients throughout the Westlake, Middleburg Heights,  and Lorain, OH area.

Understanding Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs surgery involves the removal of a very thin layer of skin from the lesion. The borders are dye-mapped, and the specimen is examined under magnification. If necessary, margins are adjusted, and another layer removed. The process is repeated until no cancer cells are found, leaving only cancer-free tissue.

Traditional skin cancer surgery generally requires removal of a significant margin around the lesions, to ensure that all cancer cells are taken. This can leave a larger surgical site. The objective of Mohs surgery is to eliminate the skin cancer as completely as possible, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Thus, Mohs surgery on the nose, Mohs surgery on the cheek, , or other delicate/highly visible areas heals more quickly with less chance of scarring.

Today, Mohs surgery can be appropriate for basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, some melanomas, and other less common skin cancers. With a success rate of about 99 percent, Mohs is usually the preferred treatment for high-risk cancers , large or aggressive lesions, skin cancers with hard-to-define borders, or cancers that have recurred following other treatment.

Benefits of having Mohs surgery in Westlake, OH

  • In-office procedure
  • Only local anesthetic needed
  • Smaller wound
  • Faster healing
  • Peace of mind
  • High cure rate

How long does Mohs surgery take? That is specific to your case. However, with this technique, you are spared the anxiety of waiting for biopsy results or having to come back for additional surgery. When you leave our office, you can be confident that all cancer cells were removed.

Call (440) 482-8323 for a consultation to learn more about Mohs surgery at Associates in Dermatology in Westlake, OH. Our Dr. Paul Hazen is board-certified in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Oncology.

Meet the Team

Dr. Paul G. Hazen Photo Dr. Conley W. Engstrom Photo Dr. Karen L. Turgeon Photo Dr. Michael D. Reep Photo Dr. Brandie Tackett Styron Photo Dr. Mihir Shah Tackett Styron Photo PA Julie Diegelmann Photo Valerie A. Dailey, PA-C Photo Dr. Dharmik Patel Photo
Associates in Dermatology in Westlake, OH is where medicine and aesthetics meet. The practice provides a range of services in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser dermatology. The experienced team comprises Paul G. Hazen, M.D, Conley W. Engstrom, M.D, Karen L. Turgeon, M.D, Michael D. Reep, M.D, Brandie Tackett Styron, M.D, Mihir Shah, M.D, Julie Diegelmann, PA-C, Valerie A. Dailey, PA-C and Dharmik Patel, M.D.. Together they ensure the highest level of care for their patients, who have placed their utmost trust on the team.

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