A skin cancer diagnosis is serious — and the treatment you choose matters. Mohs micrographic surgery is widely regarded as the gold standard for removing the most common forms of skin cancer, offering cure rates of up to 99% while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. At Hudson Dermatology, Dr. Neera Agarwal-Antal is a board-certified Mohs surgeon — one of fewer than 1% of dermatologists to hold this distinction — bringing an exceptional level of skill and precision to every Mohs procedure she performs.
If you've been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and are looking for Mohs surgery near you in the Hudson, Akron, or Cleveland area, Hudson Dermatology offers this highly specialized skin cancer treatment right here in our Hudson, Ohio office. Dr. Agarwal-Antal's combined board certifications in dermatology, Mohs surgery, pathology, and dermatopathology mean she serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon all in one visit.
Request an appointment today to discuss your skin cancer treatment options.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise, tissue-sparing method of skin cancer removal named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, the surgeon who developed the technique in the 1930s. The technique is defined by the use of a microscope to examine 100% of the tumor's margins during the procedure itself, in real time. The Mohs procedure works by removing the skin cancer one thin layer at a time. After each layer is removed, Dr. Agarwal-Antal immediately examines it under a microscope in our on-site lab to check for remaining cancer cells. If any are found, she removes another precise, targeted layer from only the area where cancer remains — sparing as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible. This process continues until the margins are completely clear. Because the entire tumor margin is examined at each stage rather than just a small sample, Mohs micrographic surgery offers the most thorough evaluation of any skin cancer treatment and the highest cure rates available.
The Mohs procedure takes place entirely on an outpatient basis — no hospital stay is required. Dr. Agarwal-Antal begins by examining the treatment site, marking the area, and administering a local anesthetic to completely numb the skin. You will remain awake and comfortable throughout. A thin layer of tissue is then removed and your wound is temporarily bandaged while the tissue is processed, mapped, and examined under a microscope — a step that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per stage. If cancer cells are found at any margin, Dr. Agarwal-Antal removes another precise layer from only that location and repeats the examination. This continues until the tissue is completely cancer-free, at which point she performs same-day wound reconstruction using the technique best suited to the size and location of the surgical site.
Mohs surgery for skin cancer is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — the two most prevalent forms of skin cancer. It is particularly well-suited for cancers located on the face, neck, ears, hands, feet, and genitals, where preserving healthy tissue is especially important for both function and appearance. Mohs is also the preferred treatment for skin cancers that are large, have aggressive growth patterns, have recurred after previous treatment, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. During your consultation, Dr. Agarwal-Antal will evaluate your specific diagnosis and determine whether Mohs micrographic surgery is the most appropriate treatment approach for your case. If a non-surgical option may be suitable, she may also discuss GentleCure IG-SRT as an alternative.
Because the Mohs procedure is performed in stages with microscopic analysis between each layer, the total time depends on how many stages are needed to achieve clear margins. A straightforward case may be completed in a few hours, while more complex cancers requiring multiple stages can take the better part of a day. Patients are encouraged to plan for a full day at our office, though many are pleasantly surprised by how smoothly and efficiently the process moves. Dr. Agarwal-Antal and her team will keep you informed throughout every stage of your procedure.
Most patients report very little discomfort during the procedure itself. A local anesthetic is administered before any tissue is removed, thoroughly numbing the treatment area. You may feel a brief sting during the injection, but the procedure itself is typically painless. After surgery, some mild to moderate soreness or tenderness at the surgical site is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Agarwal-Antal and her team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and are available to address any questions or concerns during your recovery.
Hudson Dermatology offers board-certified Mohs micrographic surgery right here in Hudson, Ohio, serving patients from Hudson, Akron, Cleveland, and the surrounding area. Dr. Agarwal-Antal's rare combination of board certifications in dermatology, Mohs surgery, pathology, and dermatopathology means your entire skin cancer diagnosis and treatment is handled by a single highly qualified physician — with no delays, no outside labs, and no fragmented care. Online scheduling is available, and new patients are always welcome. Request your appointment today — Dr. Agarwal-Antal and her team look forward to providing you with the expert, compassionate skin cancer care you deserve.