Mohs Surgery in San Antonio, TX

Cancer can be a frightening word, but for those diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery at Sonterra Dermatology - San Antonio could be the remedy. Mohs surgery is a procedure that carefully and precisely removes skin cancer tumors. The objective of this process is to take as little of your healthy skin tissue as possible while still maintaining an optimal success rate for skin cancer treatment. This surgical procedure is used to remove squamous and basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, along with other, lesser-known kinds of tumors. Dr. James Neiner begins this treatment by slowly and carefully removing the malignant cells one layer at a time. After each layer, he will inspect the cell makeup of the skin tissue to determine if any cancer remains. Reach out to our San Antonio, TX office now to plan an evaluation.

The Mohs surgery procedure is primarily utilized to treat the two most common kinds of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, as well as a wide variety of other skin cancer subtypes. If you are suffering from melanoma or a different kind of uncommon skin cancer, an appointment will help determine if you're a good candidate for Mohs surgery. Along with the type of skin cancer you have, there are also other qualifying standards that may make you a good candidate for Mohs surgery.

Mohs surgery is the ideal choice if your cancer has a high risk of recurring or when it has already returned after undergoing treatment. The cancer cells must also be located in sensitive locations, like the eyes, ears, mouth, or nose. Skin cancer cells that are big, aggressive, and contain boundaries that are hard to specify are also better treated with Mohs surgery.

During this procedure, Dr. Neiner will generally use local anesthetics to numb the affected area prior to incisions being created for removal. The incisions can be compared to a map (like a clock face) and are designed to correspond with the orientation of your skin that had been removed. The excised layer is suspended, processed, and examined under the microscope. If additional cancer follicles are detected, they are marked on the corresponding map and the procedure is repeated. The method continues until a clean coating with no residual cancer is reached. The amount of layers eliminated and the period of the procedure depends on the phase of the cancer and how long it was present. The conclusion of this procedure will leave a wound. Healing solutions vary, from easy sutures to close the wound to more complex reconstructive (plastic) surgery for bigger wounds.

Mohs surgery is completed on an outpatient basis with patients able to drive home after their surgery. Due to the specialized process used during Mohs surgery, please expect to be at our office for an extended period of time, as it may take multiple stages or steps to complete your procedure. Our office is equipped with Patient Accessible Wifi, so feel free to bring an electronic device, or bring your favorite book / reading material. Even though the site may be heavily bandaged, it is possible to resume routine non-strenuous activities the following day. This rules out any active exercise or tasks for up to two weeks. If sutures were used, they'll be taken out in 7 – 10 days. Scarring will vary, depending on the process. The achievement rate of removing the cancerous cells from the treated site is extremely high when treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanomas, receiving up to a 97% - 99% cure rate.

When confronting a skin cancer diagnosis, it is imperative to do thorough research and locate an experienced Mohs surgeon who's a great match for your requirements and needs. Success rates of this procedure are directly connected to your physician's skill and experience. To learn more about the experience, training, and success rates of Dr. Neiner, call Sonterra Dermatology - San Antonio now to schedule a consultation.