Experience the Precision and Expertise of Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment for Marco Island and Naples, FL

Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, modern dermatologic advances have made treatment both highly effective and minimally invasive when addressed early. Mohs surgery for Naples and Marco Island at Skin Wellness Physicians offers an exceptional level of accuracy and effectiveness, thanks to a method that allows for comprehensive margin control. Unlike other methods, Mohs surgery is uniquely defined by the physician serving as both surgeon and pathologist, meticulously removing and examining tissue layer by layer.

What Is Mohs Surgery? A Layer-by-Layer Approach to Skin Cancer Removal

Mohs surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer with exceptional precision. What sets it apart is its methodical, step-by-step process: the surgeon removes thin layers of cancerous tissue and examines each layer under a microscope in real time. This continues until no cancer cells remain.

Unlike traditional excisions, where only a portion of the surrounding tissue is evaluated, Mohs surgery examines 100% of the surgical margins, ensuring that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This makes it ideal for treating cancers in delicate or highly visible areas, such as the face, ears, or hands, where tissue conservation is critical.

Does Mohs surgery cure skin cancer? By combining surgical removal with immediate microscopic analysis, Mohs surgery achieves cure rates as high as 99% for certain types of skin cancer—making it the most effective technique currently available.

Originally developed in Wisconsin by the late Dr. Frederich Mohs, this technique was born out of a need for more reliable results than those offered by traditional surgical excision, radiation, or electrodessication and curettage.

A Closer Look at Mohs Surgery: How Does it Compare to Other Surgical Techniques?

"What is the difference between excision and Mohs surgery?” This is a common question patients have. Standard excisions, or surgical removal of tissue by means other than Mohs surgery, will often involve a technique as imprecise as slicing bread. Imagine a loaf with raisins in it. If we took a slice or two of the bread to see what was inside, we could, by chance, miss the raisins entirely and mistakenly consider the bread to be plain.

Now, let's translate that analogy to medical dermatology, where the consequences for missing cancer cells due to an imprecise technique are far more significant. Basically, checking the margins on a skin cancer sample that has been removed by a standard excision technique—not Mohs surgery—can actually evaluate less than 5 percent of the total margins. Some people have put that number as less than 1 percent!

Depending on the location, size, and type of skin cancer, this may not be good enough. Fortunately, Mohs surgery offers 100 percent margin control. As a result of our ability to evaluate the totality of the surgical margins, we are able to excise less skin, making the procedure much more conservative in nature. If, after evaluating the surgical specimen slides, the physician discovers that there are still some areas where a tumor remains, the physician will map it out with accuracy down to a hair follicle, allowing for the removal of a small amount of additional tissue. This process repeats itself until the tumor is completely removed, no cancer cells are visible in any margins, and the wound is ready for suturing.

When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?

So, what determines if you need Mohs surgery? Because of the meticulous care and advanced precision involved, Mohs surgery is typically reserved for skin cancers that require the highest level of accuracy and tissue conservation. Dermatologists carefully assess several factors to determine whether this approach is the most appropriate option.

Key considerations include the location of the skin cancer—such as the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals, or shins—where preserving healthy tissue is especially important for function and appearance. The size and type of cancer also play a major role in this decision, along with any history of recurrence.

In addition, certain extenuating factors may make a patient a strong candidate for Mohs surgery. These include a compromised immune system, specific genetic conditions, previous radiation to the area, or a recurrent tumor that has returned after prior treatment. A patient’s age and overall health status are also taken into account, ensuring that Mohs is only used when its benefits truly outweigh the demands of the procedure.

Mohs Surgery Backed by Fellowship-Trained Experts at Skin Wellness Physicians

At Skin Wellness Physicians, we are committed to the highest standards in skin cancer treatment—which is why we exclusively partner with fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery. While other organizations, such as the American Society of Mohs Surgery, offer shorter training pathways, the American College maintains the most rigorous standards in the field.

To earn certification through the American College of Mohs Surgery, physicians must complete a full-year fellowship focused solely on Mohs surgery and advanced reconstruction techniques. This intensive training includes performing a high volume of complex cases under expert supervision to ensure proficiency in both cancer removal and the cosmetic or functional repair of the surgical site.

Importantly, all major clinical studies demonstrating Mohs surgery’s unmatched cure rates of 95 to 99 percent were conducted by surgeons trained through this fellowship pathway. To provide the safest, most effective treatment possible, we strongly recommend that patients seek care from a Mohs College member for their skin cancer surgery.

Answers to Your Most Common Mohs Surgery Questions

Comprehensive Skin Cancer Care and Treatment for Other Dermatological Conditions

While Mohs surgery is an outstanding option for certain skin cancers, it’s not the only treatment available. At Skin Wellness Physicians, we offer a full spectrum of skin cancer management options beyond Mohs surgery tailored to each patient's needs, diagnosis, and lifestyle.

These may include standard surgical excision, cryotherapy, topical medications, electrodessication and curettage (ED&C), and advanced photodynamic therapy. Our dermatologists carefully assess the type, stage, and location of the cancer—as well as your overall health and goals—to recommend the most effective and least invasive solution possible.

In addition to skin cancer care, our team also treats a wide range of other dermatological conditions, including acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and more. Whether you're managing a chronic skin disorder or seeking guidance on a new concern, our board-certified dermatologists provide compassionate, customized care to help restore your skin’s health and appearance.