Chevy Chase
Kent Island
Chevy Chase, Maryland

Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Treatment of Skin Cancer

A cancer diagnosis is never news you want to receive. However, news that you’re able to receive Mohs surgery for skin cancer can help you rest a little more assured that your cancer is treatable.

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Mohs & Skin Cancer

Mohs, the gold standard for skin cancer treatment

Mohs, the gold standard when it comes to treatment for two of the most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), has nearly a 100% cure rate.
How it works

What Is Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer?

Mohs surgery, also referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a remarkable treatment that was developed nearly 100 years ago but is still the most advanced way to treat certain skin cancers. When Mohs surgery is performed, you will most likely be awake and given a local anesthetic via injection.

1

Your surgeon begins by cutting out skin cancer that is visible, followed by a very thin layer of the surrounding tissue.

2

You're then bandaged while your doctor examines skin cells for cancer. If they do not find any in the surrounding skin, you're done!

3

If they do find cancer, they will progressively remove one thin layer at a time until microscopic testing shows there is no cancer remaining.

Why Mohs

Why Choose Mohs for Skin Cancer Treatment?

Mohs surgery allows your doctor to operate with precision, leaving the least noticeable scar behind, in addition to ensuring that all of the cancerous cells are removed. The surrounding healthy tissues remain free from harm. Mohs is completed in just one visit, so you don’t have to wait for further testing after treatment to find out whether you’re cancer free.

~100%

Cure rate

The highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment for BCC and SCC.

1 visit

Complete in one day

The highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment for BCC and SCC.

Minimal scar

Precision by design

Only cancerous tissue is removed, sparing healthy skin and reducing scarring.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Mohs if I Have Skin Cancer?

Mohs can be performed nearly anywhere on the body, even in the most discreet locations, so if you suffer from BCC or SCC, you may be a good candidate. To find out if Mohs skin cancer surgery is right for you, you should speak with your oncologist.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and slowest-growing. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread if untreated. Melanoma is less common but the most serious, which is why early detection matters.
Watch for any spot that is new, changing, bleeding, crusting, itching or not healing after a few weeks. A pearly bump, a scaly red patch, or a mole with uneven color or borders can also be warning signs. Only a dermatologist can confirm skin cancer, usually with a quick biopsy.
Most adults benefit from a yearly full-body skin exam with a dermatologist. If you’ve had skin cancer before, have many moles, or have a family history of melanoma, you may need checks every three to six months.
Dr. Cronin reviews your biopsy results and explains your treatment options. These may include Mohs surgery, excision or, for some early cancers, prescription creams. Most skin cancers are treated in our office, often in a single visit.
A Mohs surgeon is a board-certified dermatologist with an additional year of fellowship training in Mohs surgery, skin pathology and reconstruction. Dr. Cronin is both, so she can diagnose your skin cancer, remove it with Mohs and repair the area herself.
It can, though Mohs surgery has the lowest recurrence rate of any treatment. Having one skin cancer also raises your risk of developing new ones. Regular skin exams and daily sun protection are the best ways to catch anything new early.

New patient forms

Save time at your visit — download and complete your intake paperwork ahead of time.
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Insurance information

See the plans we accept at both Chevy Chase and Kent Island, and what to know about coverage.
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Watch & learn

Dr. Cronin explains Mohs surgery

Get started

Find a Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Specialist in Chevy Chase?

If you suspect you may have skin cancer or would like to find out if you’re an ideal candidate after a BCC or SCC diagnosis, contact Dr. Cronin today at 301-986-1880 to learn more about becoming cancer free with Mohs!

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Main office

Chevy Chase Patients

5530 Wisconsin Ave #1418, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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Eastern shore office

Kent Island Patients

1630 Main Street, Suite 204, Chester, MD 21619

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Schedule Your Appointment

Take the first step toward being cancer free. Our team responds to every request within one business day.
Main office

Chevy Chase, MD

5530 Wisconsin Ave #1418, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Eastern shore office

Kent Island, MD

1630 Main Street, Suite 204, Chester, MD 21619

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