MDCS Dermatology diagnoses and treats all forms of skin cancer, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
  
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
  
• Melanoma (early and select intermediate stages)
  
• Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
  
• Atypical/dysplastic moles
  
  

Comprehensive screenings are available through:

👉 Full Body Skin Exams

Skin Cancer Treatment Options at MDCS Dermatology

We offer a full range of surgical and non-surgical options depending on cancer type, size, location, and aggressiveness.

1. Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Performed by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons at MDCS, Mohs surgery is the most precise treatment for certain skin cancers.

Mohs is ideal for:

• BCC and SCC
  
• Skin cancers on the face, nose, ears, lips, scalp, neck, or hands
  
• Recurrent tumors
  
• Ill-defined or aggressive cancers
  
• Areas where tissue preservation is critical
  
  

Why Mohs Is the Gold Standard

• Removes cancer layer-by-layer
  
• 100% margin evaluation under the microscope
  
• Highest cure rates (up to 99%)
  
• Minimizes removal of healthy skin
  
• Optimal cosmetic and functional outcome
  

Learn more: 👉 Mohs Surgery at MDCS

2. Standard Surgical Excision

Standard excision is an effective treatment for some types of skin cancer, including:

• Early-stage melanoma
  
• Atypical or dysplastic moles
• Basal cell carcinoma
  
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Procedure Overview

• Local anesthesia
  
• Removal of the lesion with appropriate margins
  
• Closure with sutures for optimal cosmetic outcome
  
• Pathology evaluation to confirm clean margins
  
  

Excision is quick, safe, and highly effective for non-aggressive tumors and early melanomas.

3. Excision for Early-Stage Melanoma

MDCS dermatologists treat stage 0–1 melanoma with surgical excision according to national guidelines.

Melanoma excision includes:

• Removal of the melanoma with appropriate margins
  
• Pathology review
  
• Follow-up care and surveillance plan
  
• Coordination with oncology if deeper staging is required
  
  

MDCS is a community affiliate of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, receiving over 200 referrals per month—which ensures streamlined coordination for higher-stage cases.

4. Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C)

A minimally invasive option for select small basal and squamous cell cancers.

5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

For precancers (actinic keratoses) and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
Learn more: 👉 PDT Blue Light Therapy (replace with your actual URL)

6. Topical Treatments (Select Cancers)

• Imiquimod
  
• 5-Fluorouracil
  
• Combination protocols
  
  

Used for early or superficial lesions when appropriate.

What to Expect During Your Visit


Evaluation

• Full skin exam or focused check
  
• Dermoscopy and digital imaging if needed
  
• Review of pathology or biopsy results
  
• Recommendation of the most appropriate surgical method
  
  

During Surgery

• Local numbing for comfort
  
• Precise removal using Mohs or excision
  
• Immediate or delayed reconstruction depending on case
  
  

Aftercare

• Clear wound-care instructions
  
• Scheduled follow-up
  
• Preventive guidance for long-term skin health
  
  

Why Choose MDCS Dermatology for Skin Cancer Treatment?

• Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons
  
• High-volume skin cancer center
  
• State-of-the-art CLIA-certified labs
  
• ACGME-approved Mohs fellowship with Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  
• Experts in both surgical and cosmetic reconstruction
  
• Affiliates of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  
• Multiple convenient locations
  👉 Find an MDCS location
  
  

Have a suspicious lesion or need treatment after a biopsy?
Schedule a skin cancer evaluation with our dermatology team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Mohs surgery and standard excision?

Mohs removes cancer layer-by-layer with immediate microscopic evaluation. Excision removes the tumor with a standard predetermined margin.

2. Which types of skin cancer require Mohs?

Mohs is preferred for BCC and SCC on the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitals, and high-risk or recurrent tumors.

3. How is early melanoma treated?

Stage 0–1 melanoma is typically treated with standard excision using appropriate safety margins.

4. Is Mohs surgery painful?

No. The area is fully numbed with local anesthesia.

5. Will I have a scar?

Any surgery leaves a scar, but MDCS dermatologists specialize in cosmetically advanced closures and reconstruction.

6. How long does Mohs surgery take?

Most cases take 1–3 hours, depending on the number of stages required.

7. What happens after my excision or Mohs procedure?

You will receive wound care instructions and follow-up visits to monitor healing.

8. Where can I receive skin cancer treatment?

At MDCS Dermatology locations in Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey.