Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise and effective technique for treating non-melanoma skin cancers, especially on the head, neck, and other cosmetically sensitive areas. This advanced procedure ensures the highest cure rate while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.  Mohs doesn't stand for anything but rather is named after Dr. Fred Mohs who developed the concept of this type of surgery in the 1930s.

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Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) but can also be used for other skin cancers.

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How Does Mohs Surgery Work?

 🔬 The cancerous tissue is carefully removed by excising around the biopsy site and any remaining tumor. The tissue is then taken to our in-house laboratory, where it is expertly processed into microscope slides. Dr. Schneider personally examines the slides under the microscope while you wait, ensuring that all cancerous cells are removed before moving forward with reconstruction. This meticulous process allows for precise removal with minimal healthy tissue loss, leading to the highest cure rates and the best cosmetic outcome. ✨

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Why Choose a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon?

A fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is not only double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs surgery but also did an additional 1-2 years of training (called fellowship) dedicated to Mohs Surgery. This makes a board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon the specialist in:
🔹 Surgical removal of skin cancer 🏥
🔹 Microscopic examination to ensure complete cancer clearance 🔬
🔹 Expert reconstruction for the best cosmetic and functional result ✂️

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, trust a fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon for expert care from start to finish.

Excisional surgery is a highly effective procedure used to remove both cancerous and non-cancerous growths from the skin. This technique is commonly employed to treat skin cancers, particularly in lower-risk areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen, and back. During the procedure, the affected tissue is carefully excised along with a standardized surgical margin to ensure complete removal, with the tissue then sent to the pathology lab for thorough evaluation.

In addition to skin cancer, excisional surgery is also used to remove benign (non-cancerous) lesions, such as cysts and lipomas, with a variable safety margin depending on the size and location of the growth. This procedure allows for precise removal while minimizing scarring, and it is often performed under local anesthesia for patient comfort.

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, but it is also the most aggressive. It can present as a new brown, black, or pink spot or as a changing mole. Because melanoma can have many different appearances, it’s crucial to have any suspicious lesions evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.

When melanoma is diagnosed, one of the most important factors in determining treatment is its depth, which is measured under the microscope during the initial biopsy analysis. The depth helps guide the next steps, which may include:

✔ Surgical Excision – Removing the melanoma with a safety margin of normal skin.
✔ Lymph Node Testing – In cases where the melanoma is deeper, a referral to a surgical oncologist may be needed to assess if cancer has spread.
✔ Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy – For more advanced cases, a medical oncologist may recommend cutting-edge treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight the cancer.

Advancements in melanoma treatment have significantly improved patient outcomes. If you have concerns about a changing mole or have been diagnosed with melanoma, schedule an appointment to ensure you receive expert evaluation and the most appropriate treatment options. Early detection saves lives!

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, but it is also one of the least likely to spread. It often appears as a small, pearly bump, open sore, or a red, scaly patch on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, or neck. While BCC is slow-growing, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent it from growing deeper into the skin and causing more damage.

Treatment options for BCC may include:

✔️ Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C) – Scraping off the cancerous tissue followed by cauterizing to stop any bleeding and prevent recurrence.

✔️ Topical Treatments – Creams or ointments for superficial BCC.

✔️ Surgical Excision – Removing the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin.
✔️ Mohs Micrographic Surgery – A precise technique used to remove BCC while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
✔️ Radiation Therapy – In certain cases where surgery may not be an option.

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If you notice any suspicious spots on your skin, especially those that persist or change, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment of basal cell carcinoma can prevent further complications and keep your skin healthy and safe.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it typically develops on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, or hands. SCC can appear as a firm, red bump, scaly patch, or an open sore that won’t heal. While SCC is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, it is still highly treatable when caught early.

Treatment options for SCC may include:

✔️ Surgical Excision – Removing the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin.
✔️ Mohs Micrographic Surgery – A highly effective technique for removing SCC while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
✔️ Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C) – Scraping off the cancerous tissue and then cauterizing to stop bleeding and prevent recurrence.
✔️ Topical Treatments – Medications applied directly to the skin for superficial or early-stage SCC.
✔️ Radiation Therapy – Used in cases where surgery may not be an option or to treat larger, more advanced SCC.

If you notice any new or changing spots on your skin, especially those that are persistent or bleed easily, contact a board-certified dermatologist. Early detection and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma can help prevent further spread and ensure the best possible outcome.

Cysts are sacs of normal skin tissue that form beneath the surface, almost like a balloon trapped under the skin. Because they develop in an abnormal location, they often feel like a firm, movable lump. These sacs continue to produce dead skin cells, but instead of shedding naturally, the buildup causes the cyst to grow or shrink over time. While cysts are benign (non-cancerous), they typically do not resolve on their own. For persistent or bothersome cysts, removal through a minor surgical excision can provide a permanent solution.

Similar to cysts, lipomas are collections of normal fat that form beneath the skin. These fatty lumps typically feel soft and movable, unlike cysts which are firmer. Lipomas can sometimes run in families, and while many are harmless, they can grow slowly over time or become tender. If a lipoma becomes bothersome or uncomfortable, it can be removed through a minor surgical excision to restore smooth, clear skin.

At Pacific Crest Dermatology, Dr. Schneider specializes in surgical treatments. The conditions mentioned above are just examples of the many surgical concerns we address. From the removal of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to addressing benign growths such as cysts and lipomas, our goal is to provide safe, effective surgical solutions that help you achieve healthier, clearer skin.

Dr. Schneider is here to provide expert care with tailored surgical options. 🏥🛠️