Advanced Skin Cancer Removal With the Highest Cure Rates and Maximum Preservation of Healthy Tissue
Mohs surgery is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for many cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer. This highly specialized procedure combines surgical precision with immediate microscopic examination, allowing cancerous cells to be identified and removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Unlike traditional surgical methods, Mohs surgery is performed in carefully controlled stages. After each layer of tissue is removed, it is examined under a microscope while the patient waits comfortably. This process continues until all cancerous cells have been eliminated.
Because Mohs surgery targets only the affected tissue, it offers the highest cure rates available while minimizing unnecessary tissue removal. The result is a highly effective treatment with excellent cosmetic outcomes, particularly for skin cancers located on the face, ears, nose, scalp, neck, hands, and other highly visible areas.
For many patients, Mohs micrographic surgery represents the most advanced and precise approach available for treating skin cancer while preserving both function and appearance.
Award-Winning Mohs Surgeon Serving The Villages and Central Florida
Dr. Johnny Gurgen is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has earned recognition for both clinical excellence and patient care throughout his distinguished career. Patients throughout The Villages, Leesburg, and Central Florida trust Dr. Gurgen for advanced skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery, and reconstructive care.
When facing a skin cancer diagnosis, experience matters. Dr. Gurgen combines advanced Mohs surgical training with nationally recognized patient care, helping patients achieve the highest possible cure rates while preserving healthy tissue and achieving the best cosmetic outcomes possible.
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized skin cancer treatment that removes cancerous tissue one layer at a time while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. The procedure combines surgical precision with immediate microscopic analysis, allowing Dr. Gurgen to verify that all cancer cells have been removed before the procedure is completed.
After each layer of tissue is removed, it is carefully processed and examined under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, only the affected area is removed during the next stage. This process continues until the tissue is completely cancer-free.
Because every margin is examined during the procedure, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates available for many forms of skin cancer while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. This makes it especially valuable for cosmetically and functionally important areas such as the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, neck, hands, and fingers.
Mohs surgery is recognized as the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, with cure rates approaching 99% for certain skin cancers.
Unlike traditional excision, which evaluates only a small percentage of the surgical margins, Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to examine virtually 100% of the tissue margins during treatment. This significantly increases the likelihood of identifying and removing all cancerous cells while reducing the chance of recurrence.
As a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Gurgen serves as both surgeon and pathologist throughout the procedure, providing an unmatched level of precision and quality control.
Comprehensive Cancer Removal
Every layer of tissue is examined microscopically during the procedure, helping ensure complete cancer removal.
Maximum Preservation of Healthy Tissue
Only tissue containing cancer cells is removed, allowing healthy skin to be preserved whenever possible.
Excellent Cosmetic Outcomes
Because less healthy tissue is removed, Mohs surgery often produces the best possible cosmetic result, particularly on highly visible areas.
Immediate Reconstruction
In many cases, reconstruction of the surgical site can be performed immediately after the cancer has been removed.
Lower Recurrence Rates
Mohs surgery provides the highest cure rates available for many common skin cancers, reducing the likelihood that cancer will return.
Precision Without Guesswork
Unlike traditional skin cancer treatments that estimate how much tissue to remove, Mohs surgery uses real-time microscopic analysis to precisely identify and remove cancerous cells. This approach helps ensure complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Why do patients choose Mohs surgery in The Villages, FL?
Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates available for many types of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Patients throughout The Villages choose Mohs surgery because it provides exceptional cancer removal with excellent cosmetic outcomes, especially for cancers located on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, and hands.
What types of skin cancer can be treated with Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It may also be recommended for certain melanomas and other skin cancers when precise removal and tissue preservation are important.
Who is a candidate for Mohs surgery in The Villages?
Patients with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, recurrent skin cancer, aggressive tumors, or skin cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas are often excellent candidates for Mohs surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Gurgen will determine whether Mohs surgery is the best treatment option for your specific diagnosis.
Why is Mohs surgery considered the gold standard for skin cancer treatment?
Mohs surgery allows cancerous tissue to be examined during the procedure, ensuring that all cancer cells are removed before treatment is completed. This precise approach results in cure rates of up to 99% for many skin cancers while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
Why do patients trust Dr. Johnny Gurgen for Mohs surgery?
Dr. Johnny Gurgen is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with extensive experience treating skin cancer. His combination of advanced surgical training, nationally recognized achievements, and patient-centered care has made him a trusted choice for skin cancer treatment throughout The Villages and Central Florida.
Does Mohs surgery leave a scar?
Any skin cancer surgery may leave some degree of scarring. However, because Mohs surgery removes the smallest amount of healthy tissue necessary, it often provides the best cosmetic outcome compared to traditional skin cancer removal techniques.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The length of the procedure depends on the size, depth, and location of the skin cancer. Because tissue is examined after each stage, patients should plan to spend several hours at our office on the day of treatment.
Is Mohs surgery painful?
Most patients experience little discomfort during Mohs surgery. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and many patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is throughout the treatment process.
What happens after skin cancer removal?
Once all cancer cells have been removed, Dr. Gurgen will determine the most appropriate method of reconstruction. In many cases, repair of the surgical site can be completed immediately to promote healing and achieve the best possible cosmetic result.
What is the success rate of Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery provides cure rates of up to 99% for many newly diagnosed basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. This makes it the most effective treatment available for many common forms of skin cancer.
Where can I schedule a skin cancer screening in The Villages?
Dr. Johnny Gurgen provides professional skin cancer screenings, skin checks, and mole evaluations for patients throughout The Villages and surrounding Central Florida communities. Early detection remains one of the most important factors in successful skin cancer treatment.
How can I reduce my risk of developing skin cancer?
Daily sun protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, routine skin cancer screenings, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Regular skin checks are especially important for Florida residents due to year-round sun exposure.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer?Toggle Title
Common warning signs include a new skin growth, a sore that does not heal, changes in an existing mole, bleeding lesions, or spots that change in size, shape, or color. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a skin examination as soon as possible.
What is the difference between Mohs surgery and traditional skin cancer removal?
Traditional skin cancer surgery removes the visible cancer along with a predetermined margin of surrounding tissue. Mohs surgery examines the tissue margins during the procedure, allowing cancer cells to be removed with greater precision while preserving the maximum amount of healthy skin.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover Mohs surgery when it is medically necessary for the treatment of skin cancer. Our office can help verify your benefits and answer questions regarding coverage before treatment.