Mohs Surgery vs. Traditional Excision: What’s the Difference?

Finding out you need treatment for skin cancer is never easy. Whether it’s a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell, or something more complex, one of the next big questions is: What’s the best way to remove it?

At The Dermatology Group, P.A., with offices in Longwood, Mount Dora, Orlando, and Winter Park, patients often want to understand the difference between Mohs surgery and traditional excision. Both are effective—but they’re not the same, and knowing the difference can help you feel more confident about your care.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a highly precise technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. During the procedure, a thin layer of cancerous tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed—and the process continues until no cancer cells remain.

This layer-by-layer approach means more healthy skin can be preserved, which makes Mohs a popular choice for areas where tissue preservation matters—like the face, ears, scalp, or hands.

It also has one of the highest cure rates available, especially for cancers that have returned or are known to be more aggressive.

What About Traditional Excision?

Traditional excision is more straightforward. The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a border of surrounding tissue. That entire piece is then sent to a lab for analysis. The goal is to take enough skin to ensure the margins are clear—but since the lab results come back after the procedure, additional surgery might be needed if cancer cells are still present.

This method is still widely used and very effective—especially for smaller cancers in less sensitive areas or for lesions that don’t require the same level of precision as Mohs.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between Mohs and traditional excision depends on several factors:
– The type of skin cancer
– Its location and size
– Whether it has returned before
– Your personal medical history and preferences

At The Dermatology Group, P.A., the team walks each patient through the reasoning behind the recommendation. They’ll explain not just the procedure itself, but the healing process, the likelihood of recurrence, and how to make the right choice based on your goals.

Experienced Care, Close to Home

With locations across Central Florida, you don’t have to travel far for expert care:
Longwood – (407) 332-8080
Mount Dora – (352) 383-0733
Orlando – (407) 898-3033
Winter Park – (407) 645-2737

If you've recently been diagnosed with skin cancer or need a second opinion on treatment, the providers at The Dermatology Group, P.A. are here to help you understand your options—clearly, calmly, and with your long-term health in mind.