Surgical excision is an effective and common treatment for many types of skin cancer. Excision involves removing the skin cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. The excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for pathological examination to confirm that no cancer cells remain. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and depending on the size and location of the excision, it may require stitches for proper healing. Excision is highly effective and offers a low recurrence rate when performed correctly.
Electrodessication and curettage (EDC) is an effective treatment option for select small, superficial (thin) basal or squamous cell skin cancers. The procedure involves scraping away the cancerous tissue with a curette and then using an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells and control bleeding. This is a quick, office-based procedure with minimal downtime. While EDC may not be appropriate for all skin cancers, it offers an efficient solution for appropriately selected, small, low-risk skin cancers in non-cosmetic areas.
Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard in skin cancer treatment, offering the highest cure rates while maximally preserving healthy tissue as much as possible. This precise, specialized technique involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time and examining each layer under a microscope in real-time until no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery is ideal for tumors on the face, neck, scalp, ears, and hands, or in other cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas. Mohs surgery is also the treatment of choice for recurrent tumors, aggressive or poorly defined cancers, and tumors with high-risk features. Mohs surgery offers cure rates exceeding 99% for primary tumors and 95% for recurrent tumors.
At Capital Skin and Laser, your Mohs Surgery will be performed by Dr. Leah Spring, our double board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon.
Cure rate when skin cancer is detected and treated in its earliest stages
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.
UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause of all skin cancers
Annual skin checks are the single most effective tool for early detection and survival
For select superficial (thin) basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, topical treatments may be appropriate. Prescription medications, such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are applied directly to the skin over the site of the cancer and the immediately adjacent skin. These creams work by stimulating the immune system or interfering with cancer cell growth, respectively. While topical medications offer a non-surgical alternative, they require consistent application over several weeks, can cause irritation and inflammation, and are not appropriate for all skin cancer types.
Radiation therapy may be recommended for certain skin cancers when surgery is not feasible, or as an adjuvant (additional) treatment following surgery in certain aggressive cases. Radiation treatment is coordinated closely with oncology specialists when indicated. Treatment typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks.
When it comes to skin cancer treatment, experience and training matter. Our founder and medical director, Dr. Leah Spring, is a double board-certified, dual fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon and Cosmetic Dermatologist. Her extensive background in skin cancer care and aesthetic reconstruction ensures that each patient receives the most effective, evidence-based, cosmetically-minded treatment available. Patients at Capital Skin and Laser enjoy a thorough evaluation by our team, followed by a discussion of all appropriate treatment options, and a recommendation of a personalized plan that carefully considers tumor clearance with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle considerations.
Explore before-and-after images that highlight outcomes from real patients treated in our practice. Each result reflects an individualized treatment plan developed by a board-certified dermatology team, with a focus on safety, skin health, and natural-looking improvement.
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“Dr. Spring was just fabulous to deal with. She listened intently and had a great personality to boot. I’m almost 82 years old, and my initial visit with her was one of the best experiences I have EVER had with any physician. I feel privileged to have her as my doctor, and I highly recommend her!!!”
“Dr. Spring was amazing. She explained everything thoroughly and respected my concerns.”
“Dr. Spring and her staff were upbeat, attentive, and caring. They saw my anxiety prior to my procedure and took an extra moment to talk through it with me, which made me feel like they care about me as a whole person. I’ve never felt anxious prior to treatment before so this extra step really hit home.”
“Kudos to Dr. Spring. She has the Eye of an Eagle, the Heart of a Lion, yet the Hand of a Woman! Best surgeon ever!”
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or if you’re concerned about a potentially suspicious mole or growth, schedule a consultation today with our team at Capital Skin and Laser. Your skin health is our priority.
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