Chevy Chase
Kent Island
Chevy Chase, Maryland

Why Is Mohs Surgery Performed?

Mohs surgery is performed when it matters most to remove all of a skin cancer while keeping as much healthy skin as possible. That usually means cancers on the face and other delicate areas, tumors that have come back, and cancers with aggressive features or unclear borders. Dr. Hyland Cronin, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, helps patients in Chevy Chase and Kent Island, Maryland decide whether Mohs is right for them.
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Why Mohs

Why Choose Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer?

Most skin cancer treatments trade off two goals: removing enough tissue to get all the cancer, and removing as little as possible to limit scarring. Mohs doesn’t make you choose.
Because every edge of every layer is checked under the microscope, Mohs offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment: nearly 100% for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Highest cure rate: Complete margin checks mean the lowest chance of the cancer returning.
Tissue-sparing: Healthy skin is preserved, which matters on the face and hands.
Smaller scars: A smaller wound usually means a simpler repair and a better cosmetic result.
Local anesthesia: Avoiding general anesthesia makes Mohs safe for most patients, including older adults.
What to Expect

Your Mohs Surgery Appointment

1

What Skin Cancers Does Mohs Surgery Treat?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer and the most frequent reason for Mohs.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): The second most common skin cancer, which can spread if left untreated.
Certain early melanomas: Including some melanoma in situ on the face, such as lentigo maligna. [Confirm Dr. Cronin treats these with Mohs.]
Rarer skin cancers: Some less common tumors that grow in irregular patterns are also well suited to Mohs.

2

When Will I Know the Cancer Is Gone?

The same day. Unlike a standard excision, where you wait days for lab results, Dr. Cronin examines each layer in our on-site lab while you wait. You leave knowing the margins are clear and the cancer has been removed. Most wounds are repaired the same day and heal within a few weeks.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?

Dermatologists use national guidelines, the Mohs Appropriate Use Criteria from the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery, to decide when Mohs is the best option. You may be a candidate if your skin cancer:

Is in a high-risk or cosmetically sensitive area, such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, hands, feet or genitals
Has come back after previous treatment
Is large or growing quickly
Has poorly defined borders that are hard to see with the naked eye
Has aggressive features on your biopsy report, such as an infiltrative or morpheaform BCC or a poorly differentiated SCC
Is in an area treated with radiation in the past

Mohs may also be recommended if you have a weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant. Small, low-risk cancers on the trunk, arms or legs often don’t need Mohs. They can be treated with a standard excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, or prescription creams.
Reviews

What our patients are saying

“On time, efficient, and professional. Addressed my concerns and answered all of my questions.”

Allen G.

Reppster

“Love Dr. Cronin!!! Everything was perfect, and everyone was very attentive and efficient.”

Liz F.

Reppster

“Dr. Cronin was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a quick visit but I was totally satisfied.”

Norma Stern

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment: nearly 100% for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Because every edge of the removed tissue is checked under the microscope, the chance of the cancer coming back is very low.
The face has little extra skin, and important structures like the eyelids, nose and lips sit close together. Mohs removes only the cancerous tissue, which preserves function and appearance and makes the repair simpler and less noticeable.
Mohs is sometimes used for early melanoma, especially melanoma in situ on the face. Invasive melanoma is usually treated with a wide excision and sometimes lymph node evaluation. Dr. Cronin will review your pathology to recommend the right approach.
Not always. A small, low-risk basal cell carcinoma on the back, chest, arms or legs may be treated with a simple excision or another in-office method. A BCC of any size on the face, ears, hands or another high-risk area is often best treated with Mohs.
For most basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs has a higher cure rate than radiation and confirms the cancer is gone the same day. Radiation may be an option for patients who can’t have surgery. Dr. Cronin will discuss every option that fits your situation.
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly but can destroy nearby skin, cartilage and bone over time. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to lymph nodes and other organs. Early treatment usually means a smaller surgery, a smaller scar and a better outcome.

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Insurance information

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Where Is the Best Place to Find a Mohs Surgeon in Chevy Chase?

If your biopsy showed basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, Dr. Cronin can review your results and explain your options in a one-on-one consultation. Call 301-986-1880 (Chevy Chase) or 410-591-1140 (Kent Island) to schedule.
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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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