Specialty Spotlight: Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Treatment

Valley’s Dermatology Clinic offers Mohs microscopic surgery, a specialized technique used to treat skin cancer, specifically basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

During surgery, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue. After cryogenic preparation of the specimen, the tissue is examined under a microscope to determine whether the margins are clear of cancer cells. If any cancer cells remain, an additional layer of tissue is removed, and the process is repeated until the margins are clear. This precise, targeted approach helps preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while ensuring complete cancer removal.

Mohs surgery is especially beneficial in areas where tissue preservation and cosmetic outcomes are important, including the face, neck, scalp, ears, lips, hands, and feet. Because the technique minimizes the removal of healthy skin, it can help reduce scarring and improve functional and cosmetic results. Reconstruction is often completed the same day following the procedure, though in some cases additional or plastic surgery closure may be required dependent on the size and location of the surgical site.

Mohs procedures are offered at the Renton location with Dr. Marcus Tan, a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-trained Mohs & Reconstruction Surgeon.

Learn more by contacting our Time Square Dermatology Clinic: 425.690.3483.