The most effective method of removing skin cancer is the procedure called Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This procedure was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in 1941. The purpose of this surgery is to remove all of the skin cancer in one appointment. This surgical technique combines the removal of the cancer with same day pathology. So simply put, in one day we remove the skin with the cancer; look at the skin under the microscope; and repair the “hole” all at the same appointment. Skin cancer is similar to trees- both have roots. If we don’t remove all the roots; the skin cancer will return in the future. This procedure is 99% effective in removing all the cancer.

Because this procedure is performed in a step by step fashion, we can remove the entire skin cancer in a controlled method thereby leaving the smallest “hole” and giving you the smallest scar possible. The majority of time the skin cancer can be removed in one step. Unfortunately, there are times when we need to perform additional surgical steps to fully eradicate all the roots of the cancer. There is no way to predict, before we start the procedure, which patients will need more than one step of surgery. Once all the cancer is removed; then we repair the “hole”. There are multiple ways in which the “hole” can be repaired. On occasion, a plastic surgeon will assist with the repair of the “hole”. The entire process of removing the skin cancer, evaluating the skin under the microscope and closing the “hole” takes a minimum of two hours.

Your first appointment with Dr. Kannler will be a consult. During this consult appointment, the purpose is to discuss the Mohs micrographic procedure and to prepare you for the surgery. We will NOT be doing the surgery on your first appointment. It is important that you bring your calendar to this consult appointment as surgery should not be scheduled close to times you will be traveling, athletic or social events as you will have a post-operative bandage.