Harris Dermatology specializes in detecting, treating, and preventing skin cancer, offering services by board-certified dermatologists in Fort Myers and Naples. Focusing on compassionate care, we prioritize patient experience in a state-of-the-art setting, ensuring that each individual receives expert attention for skin cancer concerns.
Step 1: Local Anesthesia
The process begins with the application of local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the skin cancer. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure, which may take several hours, depending on the tumor size and depth.
Step 2: Tumor Removal Layer by Layer
In Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the visible portion of the tumor and then a thin layer of surrounding tissue. Unlike standard excisions, this technique focuses on removing tissue in stages. Each layer is immediately examined under the microscope to determine if any cancer cells remain. If cancer cells are detected in the margins, the surgeon precisely identifies the area involved and removes another thin layer, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
Step 3: Microscopic Analysis
Each tissue layer is mapped, color-coded, and examined microscopically. This step allows the surgeon to see if cancer cells persist at the edges of the tissue and guides the exact location for additional removal. The iterative process continues until no cancer cells are visible, ensuring the complete removal of cancer.
Step 4: Reconstruction and Recovery
Once the cancerous tissue is fully removed, the surgeon may reconstruct the area to promote healing and restore appearance. Often, reconstructive techniques are performed on the same day, allowing for minimal scarring. After the surgery, you may experience mild discomfort, but the recovery period is usually brief, with most resuming regular activities within a week.
See if Mohs Surgery is Right in Fort Myers or Naples, FL.
Mohs surgery is particularly advantageous for treating skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, nose, and ears, because of its precision and tissue-sparing nature. By carefully removing only cancerous cells, Mohs micrographic surgery reduces the risk of recurrence and optimizes cosmetic outcomes, making it a leading choice for treating skin cancer safely and effectively.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, call us at 239-936-3344 for our Fort Myers location or 239-596-1848 for our Naples location to schedule a consultation. See if Mohs surgery may be the best option for you.