Mohs Surgery Specialist
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Specialists in Dermatology PLLC
Dermatologists located in Tucson, AZ & Green Valley, AZ
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, you may be looking for an experienced dermatologist to remove it. Weimin K. Hu, MD, PhD, at Specialists in Dermatology PLLC in Tucson, Arizona, is the co-partner of the practice and has undergone intensive training in Mohs surgery. If you’re concerned about your recent diagnosis of skin cancer or are concerned you have skin cancer, call our office today.
Mohs Surgery Q & A
Who is Mohs surgery recommended for?
Mohs surgery is the precise removal of cancerous skin layers, if you have a certain type of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery is also used in the treatment of early-stage melanoma and some rare skin cancers including extramammary Paget’s disease and Merkel cell carcinoma.
What are the warning signs for needing Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a serious micrographic procedure and not a cosmetic treatment. When deciding if Mohs surgery is the best treatment for removal, several factors are taken into consideration, such as:
- Aggressive growth
- Larger size
- Previous treatment
- Location
Treatment of an area with a little amount of tissue under the skin — such as the eyelids, nose, or extremities — is important because of the limited amount of skin available for removal.
How is Mohs surgery performed?
During your procedure, you’re alert and awake. Dr. Hu performs your surgery in the state-of-the-art Mohs surgical suite at the office. After an initial examination, you’re given a local anesthetic for numbing the area.
Dr. Hu removes the visible cancer first. Next, she removes a very thin layer of surrounding skin to check for any remaining cancerous cells. While she is checking the thin layer, you’re lightly bandaged and made comfortable while you wait for your results.
If Dr. Hu finds cancer cells in the thin layer, she repeats the process of removing and checking until no cancerous cells remain. After she removes all of the cancerous cells, she treats your wound. Dr. Hu discusses wound treatment and care with you during your procedure.
What is recovery like after Mohs surgery?
You can expect redness and itchiness on your skin for several weeks while your skin heals. In some cases, Dr. Hu won’t use stitches because your body heals the area best on its own with little to no scarring. Or she may determine that using stitches or a skin graft is best to prevent scarring and promote healthy healing.
If the wound is extensive, a wound care professional or a hospital stay may be best for your recovery. Dr. Hu addresses any concerns she may have before your procedure and options for recovery during your procedure.
For more information about treating your skin cancer by an expert in the field, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hu at Specialists in Dermatology by calling the friendly office staff today.
