Trillium Clinic provides Mohs surgery in Burlington, NC for patients diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery is a precise technique that removes skin cancer layer by layer while helping preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
If you or your dermatologist have identified a suspicious lesion, or you’ve already received a biopsy-confirmed skin cancer diagnosis, our team can help you understand whether Mohs surgery is the right treatment option for your specific diagnosis.
Mohs Surgery Consultation in Burlington, NC
Trillium Clinic offers Mohs surgery consultations in Burlington, NC for patients throughout the area. During your consultation, our team will review your diagnosis, discuss the location and characteristics of your skin cancer, and determine whether Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option. We’ll also explain how the procedure works, discuss what to expect before and during treatment, and answer any questions you may have.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain skin cancers. Unlike traditional excision, Mohs surgery removes the cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope immediately after removal, allowing the surgeon to identify whether cancer cells remain, and where they don’t, before removing any additional tissue.
This layer-by-layer, “see as you go” approach allows for a high degree of precision. It helps ensure that all cancerous tissue is removed while sparing as much surrounding healthy skin as possible, which is especially important for skin cancers located on the face, ears, scalp, hands, and other visible or functionally sensitive areas.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs surgery is typically recommended for skin cancers that are:
- Located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, such as the face, eyelids, nose, ears, lips, hands, feet, or genitals
- Large, aggressive, or fast-growing
- Recurrent, meaning they’ve returned after a previous treatment
- Located in an area where preserving healthy tissue is a priority
- Difficult to define by visual examination alone
Your Trillium Clinic provider will evaluate your specific diagnosis, the size and location of your lesion, and your overall health history to determine whether Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most frequently diagnosed forms of skin cancer.
- Basal cell carcinoma often develops on sun-exposed skin and tends to grow slowly, but it can still cause significant tissue damage if left untreated or if it recurs in a previously treated area.
- Squamous cell carcinoma can grow more quickly than basal cell carcinoma and, in some cases, carries a higher risk of spreading if not treated promptly.
Since Mohs surgery allows for complete margin examination during the procedure itself, it’s considered one of the most effective treatment options for both BCC and SCC, particularly when precision and tissue preservation are priorities.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Mohs surgery is typically performed in stages, on the same day, using local anesthesia. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- The visible portion of the skin cancer is removed along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
- That tissue is processed and examined under a microscope while you wait.
- If cancer cells remain, an additional thin layer is removed only from the specific area where cancer was detected.
- This process repeats until the margins are clear of cancer cells.
- Once the cancer has been fully removed, your provider will discuss options for repairing the surgical site, which may include stitches, a skin graft, or allowing the area to heal on its own, depending on the size and location of the wound.
Since tissue is only removed where cancer is actually present, this approach helps minimize the amount of healthy skin that’s taken during treatment.
Preparing for Your Visit
To help your Mohs surgery consultation and procedure go smoothly, patients are generally asked to:
- Bring a copy of your biopsy report and any relevant medical records, if available
- Provide a current list of medications and supplements
- Arrange for transportation home, since the procedure can take several hours depending on how many layers are needed
- Plan to wear comfortable clothing and clear your schedule for the day
- Ask any questions you have about anesthesia, recovery, or wound care ahead of time
Our team will provide specific pre-procedure instructions based on your individual case.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Recovery time after Mohs surgery varies depending on the size and location of the treated area. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort in the days following the procedure, which typically improves within one to two weeks.
Your provider will give you detailed wound care instructions, including how to clean and protect the area, signs to watch for, and when to schedule a follow-up visit. Following these instructions closely supports proper healing and helps reduce the risk of complications.
Ongoing Skin Cancer Screening After Mohs Surgery
Patients who have been treated for skin cancer, including with Mohs surgery, have a higher likelihood of developing additional skin cancers in the future. Because of this, ongoing skin checks are an important part of long-term care.
Trillium Clinic recommends regular full-body skin exams following Mohs surgery so any new or recurring areas of concern can be identified and addressed early.
Mohs Surgery Care for Burlington Patients
Burlington patients can access Trillium Clinic’s dermatology team at our Burlington location, located at 2961 Crouse Lane, Suite A, Burlington, NC 27215. Our office is a convenient option for patients throughout Alamance County, including those coming from Graham, Elon, Whitsett, and Gibsonville.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma or you have a suspicious lesion that hasn’t yet been biopsied, our Burlington-area team is here to guide you through your treatment options, including Mohs surgery when appropriate.
Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation in Burlington
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a lesion you’d like evaluated, Trillium Clinic is here to help. Contact our Burlington, NC office to schedule a Mohs surgery consultation and take the next step toward effective, precise skin cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer Mohs surgery consultations in Burlington?
Yes. Trillium Clinic offers Mohs surgery consultations for patients at our Burlington, NC location. During your consultation, our team will review your diagnosis and determine whether Mohs surgery is the right treatment approach for your skin cancer.
Can Burlington patients send outside biopsy results to Trillium?
Yes. If you’ve already had a biopsy performed elsewhere, you can share those results with our Burlington office ahead of your consultation. This allows our team to review your diagnosis in advance and helps make your visit as efficient as possible.
Is Mohs surgery used for basal cell carcinoma?
Yes. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, particularly when the cancer is located in a sensitive area or has returned after previous treatment.
Is Mohs surgery used for squamous cell carcinoma?
Yes. Mohs surgery is also commonly used to treat squamous cell carcinoma, especially in cases where the cancer is aggressive, recurrent, or located in an area where preserving healthy tissue is important.
How soon can Burlington patients be evaluated?
Appointment availability can vary, but Trillium Clinic works to see Burlington-area patients for Mohs surgery consultations as promptly as possible. Contact our Burlington office directly at 919-710-8100 for current scheduling availability.
