Mohs Surgery in Anchorage, Alaska

Precision Treatment for Skin Cancer

When it comes to treating skin cancer, precision is key. At Mat-Su Dermatology, we offer Mohs Micrographic Surgery, one of the most effective and advanced techniques for skin cancer removal. Mohs surgery is renowned for its high success rate and ability to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, making it the preferred option for many skin cancer patients.

Mohs Surgery: Advanced, Targeted Cancer Removal

Mohs Surgery is a specialized, highly effective surgical removal of skin cancer with minimal impact.

While skin cancers on the trunk, arms, and legs can be appropriately treated with standard, wide-margin excision, the treatment of cancers found on the head and neck region, hands, feet, and genitalia require Mohs surgery in order to maintain cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Mohs Micrographic and Reconstructive Surgery is a specialized type of dermatologic surgery utilized to effectively treat skin cancers that are located in these cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas. Mohs surgery allows trained surgeons, such as Dr. Sorensen and Dr. Willardson, to excise these skin cancers with minimal margins, process the excised tissue within minutes and evaluate it under a microscope to determine if the cancer is fully treated before closing the wound.

Once the cancer is cleared, the team at our Anchorage clinic has the technical training and experience to close (and if necessary, reconstruct) the wound in a manner that maximizes the cosmetic and functional outcome of the affected area. All of this is done as an outpatient in our own clinic procedure room using sterile tools and supplies under local anesthesia, with attention and care to patient safety and comfort throughout the process. This type of treatment reduces cancer recurrence in these sensitive areas, while also limiting the cost to the patient and the risks of general anesthesia.

Benefits You Can Expect

Mohs surgery is considered the most successful technique for removing certain types of skin cancer. Unlike traditional excision methods, this approach allows for immediate microscopic examination of the tissue during the procedure, ensuring all cancerous cells are removed while preserving the maximum amount of healthy skin. The benefits of Mohs surgery extend beyond clinical outcomes; it is also favored for its efficiency and long-term cost savings.

Patients often choose this treatment because it:

Has the highest success rate of cancer removal
Minimizes size of scar
Better cosmetic and functional outcome
Has a lower cost compared to hospital excision
Involves no general anesthesia

Common Conditions That Call for Mohs Surgery

While Mohs surgery is not necessary for every type of skin cancer, it’s often the preferred choice in cases where tissue preservation and precision are critical. It’s particularly well-suited for tumors in cosmetically sensitive or functionally vital areas. This technique is also ideal when treating aggressive or recurring cancers or when margins are difficult to define.

You may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery if you have:

Skin cancers located on areas where it’s important to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible (e.g., the face, ears, nose).
Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment.
Skin cancers with indistinct borders that make them difficult to treat using other methods.
Larger skin cancers that require the utmost precision in removal.

Skin Cancer Treatment in Anchorage

Mohs surgery offers patients a safe, highly effective option for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy skin and minimizing scarring. At Mat-Su Dermatology, our experienced team performs Mohs surgery in Anchorage, Alaska with exceptional care and accuracy, ensuring the best possible outcome for each individual case. If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer or are exploring your treatment options, contact Mat-Su Dermatology today to schedule a consultation and find out if Mohs surgery is right for you.