What Mohs Surgery Is and Why It Has the Highest Cure Rate

When you receive a diagnosis of skin cancer, your primary goal is simple: you want the cancer gone, and you want to be sure it doesn’t come back. At Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Dr. Sharon L. Horton, M.D., and our dedicated team of physician assistants, Purvi Patel and Melissa Paz, specialize in a highly precise procedure known as Mohs micrographic surgery. Serving patients across Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Naperville, and the surrounding Fox Valley area, we utilize this technique because it offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment. Unlike traditional excision, Mohs surgery is a sophisticated blend of surgery and immediate microscopic pathology, ensuring that every "root" of the cancer is identified and removed.

The Precision of the Layer-by-Layer Approach

The reason Mohs surgery is so effective lies in its unique methodology. Traditional surgery often involves removing the visible tumor plus a large "margin" of healthy-looking tissue, hoping to catch any hidden cancer cells. Mohs surgery, however, is much more targeted. Dr. Horton removes the visible skin cancer along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. While the patient waits, that tissue is mapped, frozen, and examined under a microscope in our on-site lab. If cancer cells are seen at the edges, another thin layer is removed, but only in the specific area where the cancer remains. This process continues until no cancer cells are detected, ensuring that we are 100% "clear" before the procedure is finished.

Why Mohs Surgery Boasts the Highest Cure Rate

The 99% cure rate is not a marketing figure; it is a clinical reality rooted in the fact that the surgeon examines 100% of the surgical margins. In standard pathology, a lab might only look at a small fraction of the specimen's edges, potentially missing a microscopic "finger" of cancer that could lead to a recurrence. Because Mohs surgery allows Dr. Horton to trace the cancer to its very end, the risk of the cancer returning in the same spot is significantly lower than with any other method. This makes it the treatment of choice for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly in high-risk areas like the face, nose, and ears, where preserving healthy tissue is critical.

Maximum Tissue Preservation for Better Esthetic Results

One of the most significant benefits of Mohs surgery for our Batavia-area patients is the preservation of healthy skin. Because we only remove tissue that is actively cancerous, the resulting surgical wound is kept as small as possible. This is especially vital for skin cancers located on the face, where even a few millimeters can make a massive difference in the cosmetic outcome. Once the cancer is fully removed, our team is highly skilled in reconstructive techniques to close the site, focusing on minimizing scarring and restoring the natural contours of your features.

What to Expect During Your Visit to our Batavia, IL, Office

We understand that the word "surgery" can be intimidating. Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia right here in our Batavia office, meaning you are awake and comfortable throughout the day. While the process can take several hours due to the precision of the lab work, the peace of mind it provides is unmatched. You leave our office knowing that your skin cancer has been completely removed in a single day. If you or a loved one in Fox Valley has been diagnosed with skin cancer, we are here to provide the specialized, high-cure-rate care you need.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Horton to discuss whether Mohs surgery is the right path for your skin cancer treatment by calling us at 630-482-3700.