Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective and precise treatment for most types of skin cancer. As one of the most highly regarded Mohs surgeons in Florida, Dr. Balestra is exceptionally skilled in the specialized processes and techniques required for Mohs micrographic surgery.

Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain tumors.

Due to the fact that the Mohs procedure allows Dr. Balestra to analyze tumor margins for clearance while you wait, it provides the most precise method for removal of the cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. For this reason, Mohs surgery may result in a significantly smaller surgical defect and less noticeable scarring, as compared to other methods of skin cancer treatment.

The Mohs procedure is recommended for skin cancer removal in anatomic areas where maximum preservation of healthy tissue is desirable for cosmetic and functional purposes. It may also be indicated for lesions that have recurred following prior treatment, or for lesions which have the greatest likelihood of recurrence.

In general, Mohs surgery is indicated for a skin cancer that:

• Is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result
• Was treated previously and has come back
• Is located near scar tissue
• Is large
• Does not have clearly defined edges
• Is growing rapidly or uncontrollably
• Is of an aggressive subtype (i.e., sclerosing or infiltrating basal cell carcinoma)
• Develops in organ transplant or lymphoma patients