Mohs Surgery Consultation and Skin Cancer Care in Smithfield
Trillium Clinic provides dermatology and skin cancer care for patients in Smithfield, NC. For certain basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs surgery may be recommended because it allows precise removal of cancerous tissue while helping preserve surrounding healthy skin.
If you have recently been diagnosed with skin cancer or have been referred for Mohs surgery, a Mohs surgery consultation and skin cancer care in Smithfield can help determine whether Mohs micrographic surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate for your diagnosis. During your consultation, your dermatologist will review your pathology, examine the location and characteristics of the skin cancer, and discuss the most appropriate next step.
Mohs surgery is not the right treatment for every skin cancer. The recommendation depends on factors such as the type of tumor, its location and size, its borders, whether it has returned after previous treatment, and other characteristics that may affect treatment planning.
Mohs Surgery Care in Smithfield
Patients in Smithfield and surrounding Johnston County communities can access Trillium Clinic’s dermatology and surgical dermatology services at our Smithfield location:
Trillium Clinic Dermatology
332 N Brightleaf Blvd, Suite C
Smithfield, NC 27577
Our Smithfield location serves patients from nearby communities including Selma, Four Oaks, Princeton, Goldsboro, Clayton, Garner, and Benson, as well as surrounding areas of Johnston County.
For patients looking for Mohs surgery in Smithfield, NC, this location provides convenient access to dermatologic evaluation, skin cancer treatment, and surgical care without requiring a trip outside the area.
A dermatologist in Smithfield, NC can review your diagnosis, examine the affected area, and determine whether Mohs micrographic surgery is appropriate for your skin cancer. When surgery is recommended, care can include consultation, surgical treatment, wound management, follow-up, and ongoing skin cancer screening.
Mohs Surgery Consultation in Smithfield, NC
A Mohs surgery consultation is an opportunity to review your diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual skin cancer.
During your consultation, we may review:
- Your biopsy and pathology report
- The type of skin cancer diagnosed
- The location and size of the tumor
- Whether the cancer has been previously treated
- The clinical characteristics of the tumor
- Your medical and surgical history
- Whether Mohs micrographic surgery is appropriate
- Options for repairing the surgical site after cancer removal
Not every skin cancer requires Mohs surgery. The decision depends on factors such as the type of tumor, its location, size, borders, recurrence status, and other characteristics that can affect the risk of recurrence or the need to preserve surrounding tissue.
For patients seeking a skin cancer consultation in Smithfield, NC, reviewing the pathology and examining the tumor carefully are important steps in determining the most appropriate treatment. If you have already had a biopsy, bringing or forwarding your pathology report can help facilitate the consultation and surgical planning process.
Mohs for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Although BCCs generally grow slowly, some tumors can be locally aggressive or occur in areas where preserving healthy tissue is particularly important.
Depending on the tumor’s location, size, subtype, borders, recurrence status, and other characteristics, Mohs surgery may be recommended as a form of basal cell carcinoma treatment in Smithfield, NC.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common form of skin cancer. Some SCCs have a higher risk of recurrence or spread and may require a treatment approach that provides careful evaluation of the surgical margins.
Mohs surgery may be recommended for selected SCCs based on tumor location, size, pathology, recurrence, and other high-risk characteristics. For patients seeking squamous cell carcinoma treatment in Smithfield, NC, the appropriate approach depends on the individual tumor and its clinical features.
Your dermatologist will discuss whether Mohs surgery is appropriate for your individual diagnosis.
What to Expect Before and During Mohs Surgery
Before surgery, your dermatologist will review your diagnosis and surgical plan with you. The procedure is generally performed using local anesthesia, allowing you to remain awake while the treatment is performed. For a more detailed explanation of what to expect before, during, and after Mohs surgery, see our patient guide to Mohs surgery.
During Mohs surgery, the visible skin cancer is carefully removed. The tissue is then processed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells remain at the edges of the surgical site.
If additional cancer cells are identified, another layer of tissue may be removed from the area where cancer remains. This process is repeated until the examined margins are clear.
Once the cancer has been completely removed, the resulting wound will be evaluated, and a repair plan will be determined. Depending on the size and location of the defect, options may include allowing the wound to heal naturally, a linear closure, skin graft, skin flap, or another reconstructive technique.
Understanding each stage of Mohs surgery can help patients feel more prepared for their treatment and know what to expect during their visit.
Recovery, Wound Care, and Follow-Up Exams
Your recovery will depend on the size and location of the surgical site and how the wound is repaired.
After Mohs surgery, you will receive instructions regarding:
- Keeping the surgical site clean
- Changing dressings
- Applying prescribed or recommended wound-care products
- Managing discomfort and swelling
- Activity restrictions
- Recognizing signs of infection or other complications
- When to return for a wound check or suture removal
Following your wound-care instructions carefully can help promote appropriate healing and optimize the final appearance of the surgical site.
Your dermatologist will also let you know when follow-up is needed based on the type of repair, how the wound is healing, and your individual circumstances.
Ongoing Skin Cancer Screening After Mohs Surgery
Having one skin cancer increases the importance of continued skin cancer surveillance. Even after successful Mohs surgery, patients can develop another basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma elsewhere on the skin.
Regular skin cancer screening can help identify new or changing lesions at an earlier stage.
Trillium Clinic can provide ongoing skin cancer screening and dermatologic follow-up after Mohs surgery. Your dermatologist can recommend an examination schedule based on your personal history, number and type of skin cancers, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
In addition to professional examinations, patients should become familiar with their own skin and report new, changing, bleeding, crusting, or nonhealing lesions to a dermatologist.
Schedule a Mohs Consultation in Smithfield
If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and have been told that you may need Mohs surgery, a consultation with Trillium Clinic can help clarify your diagnosis, treatment options, and whether Mohs is appropriate for you.
A consultation allows our dermatology team to review your pathology and determine whether Mohs surgery in Smithfield, NC is an appropriate treatment for your skin cancer.
Whether you live in Smithfield, Selma, Clayton, Garner, Benson, or elsewhere in Johnston County, our Smithfield location provides convenient access to dermatologic and surgical dermatology in Smithfield, NC.
Contact Trillium Clinic to schedule a Mohs surgery consultation in Smithfield, NC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mohs Surgery
Do you offer Mohs surgery consultations in Smithfield?
Yes. Trillium Clinic provides Mohs surgery consultations in Smithfield, NC, at 332 N Brightleaf Blvd, Suite C, Smithfield, NC 27577. During a consultation, your dermatologist can review your diagnosis and pathology and determine whether Mohs surgery is appropriate for your skin cancer.
Can I send pathology results from another dermatologist?
Yes. If you were diagnosed by another dermatologist or physician, you can provide your biopsy and pathology information for review. Having the pathology report available can help your dermatologist understand the type and characteristics of your skin cancer and plan the appropriate next steps.
What types of skin cancer are treated with Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat selected basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. It may be recommended when precise margin control and preservation of surrounding healthy tissue are particularly important. Whether Mohs is appropriate depends on the specific characteristics of the tumor.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
The total time varies depending on the size and complexity of the skin cancer and how many stages are required to obtain clear margins. Each stage involves removing tissue and examining it microscopically before proceeding. Because the timing can vary considerably, patients should plan to spend several hours at the office on the day of surgery.
Can I drive myself home after Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia, and many patients are able to drive themselves afterward. However, whether you should drive depends on the procedure, medications used, the location of the surgery, your individual circumstances, and your doctor’s instructions. If you are unsure, arranging transportation is the safest option.
Do I need a biopsy before Mohs surgery?
In most cases, a biopsy is needed to establish the diagnosis of skin cancer before definitive treatment is planned. If another dermatologist or physician performed the biopsy, Trillium Clinic can review the pathology information as part of your consultation.
