Precise, tissue-sparing surgery for skin cancer.

Mohs surgery is the gold standard treatment for removing skin cancer, offering the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue. At Northcoast Dermatology, Mohs surgery is performed by Marlene Willen, MD, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with decades of experience treating patients in Cleveland metropolitan area. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Mohs surgery.

Frequently asked questions.

How does Mohs surgery work and why is it so effective?

Mohs surgery is a precise, layer-by-layer surgical technique for removing skin cancer. Unlike traditional excision, Mohs is the only treatment method that allows real-time microscopic evaluation of cancer cells during the procedure itself, ensuring complete removal before the patient leaves the office. For basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer, Mohs surgery achieves cure rates as high as 99%.

What skin cancers are treated with Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is most commonly used to treat:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Skin cancers located on the face, ears, scalp, hands or other cosmetically sensitive areas
• Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment
• Skin cancers with poorly defined borders

How is Mohs surgery performed?

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in our Independence, OH dermatology office. You remain awake throughout and receive a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, eliminating the risks and recovery time associated with general anesthesia. The majority of Mohs cases are completed and repaired on the same day and generally follow these steps:

1. Removal. Dr. Willen removes the visible skin cancer along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue
2. Mapping and microscopic analysis. The removed tissue is mapped, processed and examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells at the margins
3. Additional layers if needed. If cancer cells remain at any edge, another thin layer is removed and re-examined; this process repeats until no cancer cells are detected
4. Same-day repair. Once clear margins are confirmed, the wound is repaired using primary closure, a tissue flap or a skin graft depending on size and location

Why choose Northcoast Dermatology for Mohs surgery?

• Experienced and fellowship-trained surgeon. Dr. Willen completed her Mohs surgery and cosmetic fellowships at Cleveland Clinic and served as the Chairperson of the MetroHealth Department of Dermatology prior to joining Northcoast Dermatology
• Highest cure rates available. Up to 99% for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma
• Tissue-sparing technique. Removes only cancerous tissue, minimizing scarring and preserving appearance
• Outpatient procedure. Performed in our Independence, OH office with local anesthesia
• Insurance accepted. Most plans including Medicare cover Mohs surgery
• Same-day results. Most patients are treated and repaired in a single visit

Schedule a Mohs surgery consultation in Independence, OH.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a suspicious lesion, contact Northcoast Dermatology to schedule a consultation with Dr. Willen. We serve patients from Independence, Brecksville, Broadview Heights and the greater Cleveland, OH metropolitan area. You can reach us at (216) 524-4009 or info@northcoastdermatology.com.