When it comes to treating skin cancer, precision and effectiveness are key—and that’s exactly what Mohs surgery near Overland Park offers. This advanced, tissue-sparing procedure is considered the gold standard for removing certain types of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
At Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, our experienced dermatologic surgeons use this advanced treatment to provide patients with the best possible outcomes—medically and cosmetically. If you’re curious about how Mohs surgery works and why it’s a popular treatment for treating certain types of skin cancer, we’re here to break it down for you.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a surgical technique that is used to remove cells that have skin cancer layer by layer. This form of surgery also involves the examination of the removed tissue for cancer cells between each stage of removing tissue.
What types of skin cancer does Mohs surgery treat?
Dermatologists use Mohs surgery to treat the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and certain melanomas.
Mohs surgery is extremely precise and helps to preserve healthy tissue in the surgery area. Because it is so effective at sparing this tissue, Mohs surgery is often recommended for treating areas that may be considered “sensitive.” This includes parts of your face, hands, ears, feet, and genitals.
A good method for detecting skin cancer early is by doing at-home skin assessments between your appointments. You’ll examine your skin carefully in a mirror, looking for unusual growths or changes on the surface of your skin.
For a more in-depth breakdown of how to do at-home skin assessments, check out our blog on melanoma treatment and skin checks.
What does the Mohs surgery process look like?
Before the Mohs surgery procedure, we recommend you see a trusted dermatologist. Then, they can assess the site of concern. This helps them determine if Mohs surgery is the best treatment option for your specific needs.
The day of your Mohs surgery looks like this:
- Preparation: Your surgeon will apply local anesthesia to the treatment area. This numbs the skin and underlying tissue, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
- Removal: The surgeon then removes any visible, raised areas of the tumor. They then remove a thin layer of tissue from the treatment area. Your surgeon works to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible during this process.
- Immediate Lab Analysis: A dermatologist immediately examines the tissue the in-house lab at Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center. Your surgeon will carefully determine if there are any cancer cells left in the sample.
- Additional Removal: If your surgeon finds additional cancer cells, they will be removed in thin layers from the area where the cancer cells remain.
- Closure & Healing: Once there are no further cancer cells detected, your surgeon discusses the best method of managing the wound with you. This can include letting the wound heal on its own, or closing the wound with stitches. If the surgery involves an unexpectedly large tumor, a graft may be necessary to properly close the wound.
If you are considering Mohs surgery or have an appointment coming up soon, be sure to prepare in advance. Read our blog on how to prepare for Mohs surgery in Shawnee for what to do before your procedure.
Mohs Surgery: Safe, Effective, and Skin Friendly
Mohs surgery isn’t just a highly effective skin cancer treatment—it’s like the VIP experience of dermatologic care. It’s centered on precision, minimal scarring, and yielding the highest cure rates. Whether you’re dealing with BCC, or another skin cancer type, this procedure offers peace of mind and a fast recovery.
At Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are here to make sure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you’re facing a skin cancer diagnosis or simply exploring your options, it’s important to know that Mohs surgery near Overland Park focuses on removing the harmful tissue. At the same time, it protects the healthy skin—helping you stay both healthy and confident.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment and learn more about all treatment options available at Kansas City Skin & Cancer.
Contact Us
Virtual Consultation
