Surgical and Non-Surgical Solutions
Services
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a specialized treatment for skin cancer involving surgical removal of the tumor and microscope analysis of the margins on the same day. Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for skin cancer and offers up to a 99% cure rate.
This method is especially useful in cosmetically sensitive areas because it allows for removal of the skin cancer with the smallest possible margin, conserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs surgeons are specially trained in both pathology and surgery, including reconstruction after skin cancer removal.
Electrodesiccation
and Curettage (ED&C)
This is a procedure used to treat more superficial or less aggressive skin cancers. It involves scraping away the atypical cells with a sharp instrument called a curette, followed by electrodesication (burning the atypical cells).
Biopsy
A biopsy is used to determine if a lesion is benign or malignant. This is performed using local anesthesia and using a thin razor or punch biopsy to remove a piece of skin and send for pathology.
Surgical Excision
An excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing a lesion with a normal-appearing margin of skin and submitting it to pathology for further evaluation.
This procedure is sometimes offered instead of Mohs based on the size, location, or type of cancer or diagnosis. This is a commonly used technique for the removal of atypical moles.
Topical Therapy
Topical creams or light treatments can sometimes be used to treat superficial or less aggressive cancers and precancers. Your provider at Northern Maine Skin Cancer Center will help you decide if this is an appropriate treatment for you.