If you live in Mebane and have been diagnosed with skin cancer, timely evaluation matters. Mohs surgery may be recommended for certain basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly when the cancer is located on the face or another area where preserving healthy tissue is important.
At Trillium Clinic, patients from Mebane and surrounding communities can receive evaluation and consultation for skin cancers that may require Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Stefan Weiss, a board-certified dermatologist with Mohs training, performs Mohs surgery at Trillium’s Chapel Hill location.
If you have already had a biopsy, our team can review your pathology report and help determine whether Mohs surgery may be appropriate for your particular skin cancer.
Mohs Surgery Consultation Near Mebane, NC
Trillium Clinic provides dermatology care and Mohs surgery consultations for patients in Mebane, Alamance County, and surrounding communities.
Our Burlington location provides convenient access to Trillium dermatology care for patients in the Mebane area, while Mohs surgery is performed at our Chapel Hill location.
Patients may come to Trillium Dermatology from:
- Mebane
- Haw River
- Efland
- Graham
- Burlington
- Hillsborough
- Alamance County
- Orange County and surrounding communities
If your biopsy was performed by another dermatologist, primary care provider, or outside medical practice, you can still contact Trillium for a Mohs consultation. If possible, have your pathology report sent before your appointment so our team can review your diagnosis and prepare for your visit.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.
During Mohs surgery, the visible skin cancer is removed along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. That tissue is then carefully examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells remain at the edges, or margins.
If cancer cells are still present, another thin layer is removed specifically from the area where cancer remains. This process is repeated until the margins are clear.
Because the surgeon examines the tissue during the procedure, Mohs can help avoid removing more healthy tissue than necessary.
This tissue-sparing approach can be particularly valuable when treating skin cancers in areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, face, hands, or other cosmetically or functionally important locations.
When Might a Mebane Patient Need Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is not necessary for every skin cancer. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location, size, depth, borders, previous treatment, and other characteristics of the tumor.
Mohs may be considered when a skin cancer:
- Is located in an area where preserving healthy tissue is particularly important
- Has poorly defined borders
- Is large or has certain aggressive features
- Has returned after previous treatment
- Is located near an important functional or cosmetic structure
- Has other characteristics that make complete removal while preserving surrounding tissue especially important
Your pathology report provides important information, but the decision to recommend Mohs also depends on an examination of the tumor and its location.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that Mohs is commonly used for selected basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, including tumors in areas where tissue preservation is important or tumors with characteristics associated with a higher risk of recurrence.
Skin Cancers Commonly Treated With Mohs
Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat certain non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common type of skin cancer. Although BCC rarely spreads to distant organs, it can grow into surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Mohs may be particularly useful for BCCs located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas, recurrent tumors, and tumors with other higher-risk characteristics.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is another common form of skin cancer. Some SCCs have a greater risk of local recurrence or spread than others.
Depending on the tumor’s characteristics and location, Mohs may provide an effective way to completely remove the cancer while minimizing removal of surrounding healthy skin.
Other Skin Cancers
Mohs surgery may occasionally be considered for other types of skin cancer in specific circumstances. The appropriate treatment depends on the pathology and clinical characteristics of each individual tumor.
How Trillium Coordinates Evaluation After Your Biopsy
If another provider has already biopsied your skin cancer, you do not necessarily need to start over with another biopsy.
Our team can review the pathology information and determine the next appropriate step.
Step 1: Send Your Pathology Report
If possible, have the pathology report sent to Trillium before your appointment. You can also bring a copy with you.
Step 2: Review the Diagnosis
Your dermatologist will review the pathology diagnosis along with the location and clinical characteristics of the skin cancer.
Step 3: Determine Whether Mohs Is Appropriate
Not every skin cancer requires Mohs surgery. Your treatment recommendation will be based on your specific tumor and circumstances.
Step 4: Plan Your Treatment
If Mohs is recommended, our team will discuss the procedure, what to expect, wound repair options, and the next steps in your care.
If Mohs is not the most appropriate treatment, we can discuss other options when appropriate.
What Should I Bring to My Mohs Consultation?
If you are coming to Trillium after being diagnosed with skin cancer, bringing the following information can make your visit more efficient:
- Your pathology report
- The name and contact information of the provider who performed your biopsy
- Your insurance information
- A list of current medications
- Information about previous treatment of the same skin cancer, if applicable
- Any questions or concerns you have about the procedure
If your biopsy was performed outside Trillium, ask the pathology laboratory or referring office to send the report before your appointment whenever possible.
What Happens During Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is generally performed using local anesthesia, so you remain awake during the procedure.
The visible tumor and a thin layer of surrounding tissue are removed first. The tissue is then processed and examined under a microscope.
If cancer cells remain at the margins, another layer is removed only from the area where cancer is present.
The process continues until the examined margins are clear.
Once the cancer has been completely removed, the surgical wound is evaluated and repaired. Depending on the size, depth, and location of the wound, repair may involve stitches, a skin flap, a skin graft, or another approach.
Trillium’s current Mohs program includes microscopic margin evaluation and coordinated wound repair during the treatment process.
How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take?
Mohs surgery is different from a typical short office procedure because the tissue must be processed and examined between stages.
Some skin cancers can be cleared in a single stage, while others require multiple stages. Because of this, it is difficult to predict the exact amount of time you will spend at the office before your procedure.
We recommend planning to spend a significant portion of the day at the office rather than scheduling another time-sensitive activity immediately afterward.
Your Trillium team will provide specific instructions before your procedure.
Recovery After Mohs Surgery
Recovery depends on the size and location of the skin cancer and how the wound is repaired.
Your postoperative instructions will explain how to care for the surgical site, when to change dressings, what activities to avoid, and when you should return for follow-up.
Some swelling, bruising, tenderness, or drainage can occur after surgery. Your surgical team will explain what is expected during healing and when you should contact the office with concerns.
The scar will continue to change as it heals. Scar maturation can take many months, and the appearance of a surgical scar can continue to improve over time.
Ongoing Skin Cancer Screening After Mohs Surgery
Having one skin cancer increases the importance of ongoing skin surveillance.
Mohs surgery removes the treated skin cancer, but it does not prevent new skin cancers from developing elsewhere on the body.
After treatment, regular dermatology examinations can help identify new or recurrent skin cancers at an earlier stage.
Your dermatologist may recommend a schedule for routine total-body skin examinations based on your personal history, the type of skin cancer you have had, and your other risk factors.
Between appointments, contact your dermatologist if you notice a new, changing, bleeding, crusting, or non-healing lesion.
Sun protection is also an important part of ongoing skin cancer prevention. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade when possible, wear protective clothing, and avoid intentional tanning.
Why Choose Trillium for Skin Cancer Care?
At Trillium Clinic, skin cancer care is part of our broader surgical and medical dermatology practice.
Dr. Stefan Weiss is a board-certified dermatologist with training in Mohs micrographic surgery. Trillium’s Mohs program combines surgical treatment with microscopic margin evaluation and individualized wound repair.
For patients in Mebane and surrounding communities, Trillium offers access to dermatology care through its Burlington and Chapel Hill locations.
Our goal is to make the process straightforward, from reviewing your biopsy results and determining whether Mohs is appropriate to coordinating your treatment and explaining the next steps in your care.
Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation Near Mebane
If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or another skin cancer and have been told you may need Mohs surgery, Trillium Clinic can help you understand your treatment options.
Patients from Mebane, Burlington, Graham, Haw River, Efland, Hillsborough, and throughout Alamance County can contact Trillium to begin the consultation process.
If you have already had a biopsy, sending your pathology report before your appointment can help our team prepare.
Schedule your Mohs consultation today.
Trillium Clinic Dermatology
CHAPEL HILL
100 Timberhill Place, Suite 110
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
BURLINGTON
2961 Crouse Lane, Suite A
Burlington, NC 27215
Call: 919-710-8100
Text: 919-823-5681
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Mebane patients go for a Mohs surgery consultation?
Mebane-area patients can contact Trillium Clinic for a Mohs consultation and skin cancer evaluation. Trillium has locations in Burlington and Chapel Hill, with Mohs surgery performed at the Chapel Hill location. Patients from Mebane can begin the consultation process through Trillium and receive guidance on the appropriate next step for their diagnosis.
Can I schedule a Mohs consultation if my biopsy was done by another provider?
Yes. Trillium evaluates patients who have had skin biopsies performed by other dermatologists and medical providers. If possible, have your pathology report sent to Trillium before your appointment or bring a copy with you.
How do I know if Mohs surgery is right for my skin cancer?
Mohs is not the appropriate treatment for every skin cancer. Your dermatologist will consider the type of skin cancer, its location, size, borders, pathology findings, whether it has been treated previously, and other factors when determining the most appropriate treatment.
Do I need a biopsy before scheduling a Mohs consultation?
A confirmed diagnosis is generally needed before Mohs surgery can be scheduled. If you have a suspicious lesion that has not yet been biopsied, Trillium can evaluate the lesion and determine whether a biopsy is appropriate.
How long does a Mohs appointment take?
The amount of time varies depending on the size and location of the tumor and how many stages are required to completely remove the cancer. Because tissue is examined during the procedure, patients should plan to spend several hours at the office and avoid scheduling other time-sensitive activities immediately afterward.
Will I have a scar after Mohs surgery?
Any procedure that removes skin can result in a scar. The final appearance depends on the size and location of the wound, the repair technique, and individual healing. Scars continue to mature over time and may change substantially during the first year after surgery.
Should I continue regular skin checks after Mohs surgery?
Yes. After Mohs surgery, your dermatologist may recommend regular total-body skin examinations based on your personal history, the type of skin cancer you have had, and other risk factors. These examinations can help identify new or recurring skin cancers.
Can I get skin cancer again after Mohs surgery?
Yes. Mohs surgery treats the skin cancer being removed, but having a history of skin cancer means you remain at risk of developing another skin cancer. Continued skin examinations and sun protection are important after treatment.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Mohs surgery may be covered when it meets your insurance plan’s medical-necessity criteria. Coverage, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, referrals, and prior-authorization requirements vary by plan. Contact your insurance carrier and Trillium’s office to confirm the requirements for your specific policy before your procedure.
Start Your Skin Cancer Care With Trillium
If you are searching for Mohs surgery near Mebane, NC, Trillium Clinic provides dermatologic evaluation and consultation for selected skin cancers, with access through our Burlington and Chapel Hill locations. Mohs surgery is performed at our Chapel Hill location.
Have a biopsy report? Bring it with you. We can help you determine the next step.
