The most effective treatment option for skin cancer.
Watch the short video, published by the American College of Mohs Surgery, showing how it works.
Mohs surgery is best performed by a board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.
Skin cancer layer by layer, examining 100% of the surgical margin under the microscope in our on-site laboratory the same day.
This provides highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized skin cancer treatment that allows the surgeon to examine 100% of the surgical margin during the procedure.
Tissue is carefully mapped and analyzed in our on-site laboratory. If cancer cells remain, only the precise area involved is removed.
This process continues layer by layer until the cancer is fully cleared while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs surgery is best performed by dermatologists who have completed additional fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery.
Dr. David Cowart is board-certified in dermatology and fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery. This advanced training includes surgical reconstruction, detailed pathology interpretation, and treatment of complex and high-risk skin cancers.
Specialized training in skin cancer removal and reconstruction is particularly important in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas.
The area is numbed so you remain comfortable and awake throughout the procedure.
The visible skin cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue are carefully removed.
The tissue is processed in our on-site laboratory and examined under the microscope.
If cancer cells remain, only the precise area involved is removed. This process is repeated until the cancer is fully cleared.
Each stage typically takes 30–60 minutes to process. A temporary bandage is placed while you remain comfortable between stages.
Once the cancer is fully removed, reconstruction options are discussed and most repairs are performed the same day.
Most patients complete treatment and return home the same day with detailed wound care and follow-up instructions.
In a standard excision, the visible skin cancer is removed along with a margin of surrounding tissue and sent to an outside laboratory for evaluation. Only portions of the surgical margin are typically examined.
With Mohs surgery, 100% of the surgical margin is examined immediately during the procedure. This allows precise removal of remaining cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rates and optimal tissue preservation.
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) uses low-energy radiation to treat certain skin cancers without surgery. SRT may be appropriate for some superficial, low-risk skin cancers when surgery is not ideal.
However, SRT is not appropriate for many skin cancers, particularly:
• Tumors with aggressive growth patterns
• Recurrent skin cancers
• Lesions with ill-defined borders
• Larger or deeper tumors
• Many cancers located on the head and neck
Unlike Mohs surgery, radiation therapy does not provide microscopic confirmation that the cancer has been fully removed. Recurrence may occur years later and can be more difficult to treat.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) lists Mohs surgery as a preferred treatment for many high-risk basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas when surgery is appropriate.
The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) recognizes Mohs surgery as the standard of care for many high-risk skin cancers, particularly those located on the head and neck.
Treatment decisions should always be individualized. During your consultation, we will review all appropriate options and discuss the safest and most effective treatment approach for your diagnosis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or told you may need Mohs surgery, we’re here to guide you through the next steps with clarity and precision.
Our team will review your pathology, discuss appropriate treatment options, and ensure you feel informed and comfortable before proceeding.
