Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer

The Gold Standard in Skin Cancer Treatment

When it comes to treating certain types of skin cancer, precision is everything. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for removing skin cancers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. At Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic, we’re proud to offer this advanced treatment performed by Dr. Seth Martin, MD, FAAD, a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon.

With Dr. Martin’s extensive training and surgical skill, patients can feel confident knowing they’re receiving the highest standard of care, right here in Olympia.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used to remove skin cancer with the highest level of accuracy. The procedure is performed in stages, allowing the surgeon to remove the visible tumor and then examine the surrounding tissue under a microscope to ensure no cancer cells remain.

This step-by-step process is repeated until the entire cancer has been successfully removed. The result? Maximum cure rates with minimal impact to healthy surrounding skin.

Originally developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and refined over decades, this technique is especially effective in areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical—like the face, ears, scalp, hands, and feet.

Why Choose a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon?

While some dermatologists perform Mohs surgery after only completing residency and taking an exam, only members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) have completed rigorous, post-residency fellowship training in the procedure.

This additional 1–2 years of intensive hands-on surgical training includes participation in at least 500 Mohs procedures under direct supervision of an ACMS-approved expert. Dr. Martin completed over 2000 cases during his fellowship with renowned Mohs surgeon Dr. Christopher Harmon, further strengthening his expertise in skin cancer removal and advanced reconstruction.

When you choose a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, you’re choosing:

• The highest cure rates – up to 99% for certain skin cancers
• Conservation of healthy tissue, resulting in smaller scars
• On-site pathology by the same surgeon performing your procedure
• Same-day surgical reconstruction, when needed
• Reduced risk of recurrence

What Types of Cancer is a Mohs Procedure For?

Mohs surgery is typically recommended for:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Certain types of melanoma in situ (MIS)
• Skin cancers with aggressive features
• Rare skin cancers such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, leiomyosarcoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and atypical fibroxanthoma
• Tumors in areas where cosmetic outcome is important (face, ears, scalp, hands, genitals)
• Recurrent tumors or cancers with unclear borders

What to Expect During Mohs Skin Cancer Removal

Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia in our comfortable treatment rooms.

Here’s how the process works:

1. The area is numbed, and the visible cancer is removed with a 1-2 mm margin.
2. The tissue is immediately processed and 100% of the margin is examined under a microscope.
3. If cancer cells remain, Dr. Martin will selectively remove another layer from the precise area where the cancer persists.
4. This cycle continues until no cancer cells are detected.
5. Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound is repaired, typically on the same day, with advanced reconstruction tailored to the location and your unique needs.

You are awake and alert throughout the procedure. Because it can take several hours, we recommend bringing a book, snacks, or a small blanket to stay comfortable during the wait.

Is Mohs Right for Me?

Our team of providers will work closely with you to determine if Mohs surgery is the right choice for your diagnosis. It is often recommended when:

• The cancer is located in a cosmetically or functionally sensitive area
• The cancer has come back after previous treatment
• The cancer has unclear or irregular borders
• A high cure rate is especially important

If Mohs surgery is not the best option for your specific case, we offer additional treatments including excision, superficial radiation therapy, and other non-surgical options.

Why Choose Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic?

• Care from a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist
• Fellowship-trained Mohs expertise on-site in Olympia
• Personalized treatment plans and same-day reconstructions
• Friendly, experienced support staff and surgical suite
• Decades of trusted dermatology care in the South Sound

Before and After Photographs

Mohs Surgery - Forehead

Mohs Surgery - Above Lip

Mohs Surgery - Above Ear

After