Why choose Geisinger for Mohs surgery?
Looking for the most precise skin cancer treatment? Mohs surgery delivers a cure rate of 98% to 99% for most new cases, and it's one of the most effective skin cancer treatments available.
During Mohs surgery, your dermatologist removes cancer cells one stage at a time. Then they'll check the cells under a microscope before moving to the next stage. This process protects as much healthy skin as possible.
You'll have access to Mohs surgery for skin cancer in sensitive areas, like the face, scalp, ears, neck and hands as well as for larger or more aggressive cancers that need a more precise approach. The whole procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia, usually in a few hours.
And with locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you won't have to go far to get care you can count on.
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FAQs
What’s Mohs surgery?
How does Mohs surgery work?
The procedure is done in your dermatologist’s office or in an outpatient clinic under local anesthesia. The entire process is done in stages over the course of a few hours.
Your Mohs surgeon will start by marking the location of your cancer. They numb your skin with a local anesthetic and remove a layer of skin from the affected area. Then your nursing team will bandage your wound, and you’ll wait while the lab processes and analyzes your skin sample.
Your surgeon will look at your skin cells under a microscope. If any cancer cells are still present, they'll mark the location and remove another layer of skin.
The process repeats until your surgeon can't find any more cancerous cells under the microscope. Afterward, your surgeon will talk with you about how to treat the wound. You might need stitches, or you may be able to let the wound heal on its own.
Is Mohs surgery right for me?
Mohs surgery is a good fit if your skin cancer is:
- In a sensitive area, like on your face, scalp, ears, neck or hands
- At risk of coming back
- Large or aggressive
If you’re a candidate for Mohs surgery, your dermatologist will walk you through the process.
How do I prepare for Mohs surgery?
Before your procedure, your doctor will review your medical history and medications.
Mohs surgery can take several hours, so comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are a good idea. Also consider bringing things like a book, your phone or tablet and a snack (if allowed) to keep you occupied while you wait. And be sure to bring someone with you who can drive you home after the procedure.
Mohs surgery at Geisinger
From your first consultation to wound care after surgery, you'll work with a team trained to treat your condition. You'll get:
- A plan built around you: Your Mohs surgeon will review your history, walk you through what to expect and tailor the procedure to your situation, including how to treat the wound once they've removed the cancerous cells.
- Advanced care, close to home: Our Mohs surgeons practice at locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, so you don't have to travel far for this precise, effective procedure.
- Treatment focused on the long term: Mohs surgery is a layer-by-layer approach, which means your surgeon removes only the cells that need to go. This protects healthy tissue and reduces the chance of your cancer coming back.