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Mohs Surgery in Chicago | Illinois Dermatology Institute

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Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for the most common forms of skin cancer, offering a cure rate of up to 99% while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

At Illinois Dermatology Institute, our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons provide this precise, minimally invasive procedure in Hinsdale, Northbrook, and Chicago Lakeview & Chicago Loop, along with surrounding areas.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is the gold standard treatment for the two most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In select cases, it can also treat rarer skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma.

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment, with up to 99% of patients successfully cured and a significantly lower recurrence rate than other methods.

Types of Skin Cancer Treated With Mohs Surgery

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form of skin cancer, often appearing as a pearly bump or a flat, scar-like lesion.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A common skin cancer that can appear as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare, aggressive skin cancer that may be treated with Mohs surgery in select cases.

Mohs surgery is especially well suited for cancers in areas with less skin and tissue to spare, such as around the eyes, nose, lips, scalp, or hands.

Mohs Surgery in Crown Point, IN

At our Crown Point, Indiana location, Mohs surgery is performed by Dr. Benjamin Kahn, MD, FAAD, and Dr. Ruchik Desai, MD — both board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons. They specialize in treating complex and high-risk cases using advanced surgical precision and personalized patient care, providing the best possible outcomes for patients in Northwest Indiana.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs to Watch For

You may be a candidate for Mohs surgery if you notice:

  • A new growth that bleeds, crusts, or won’t heal
  • A mole or spot that has changed in size, shape, or color
  • A shiny, pearly, or waxy bump on the skin
  • A flat, scaly, reddish patch
  • A sore that heals and then reopens

If your dermatologist identifies a suspicious growth, a biopsy will confirm the diagnosis and determine whether Mohs surgery is the right treatment path.

What Does Mohs Surgery Involve?

Mohs surgery is a single-visit outpatient procedure that typically takes 2 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. It requires local anesthesia and on-site lab processing to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed.

Before Your Procedure

Your dermatologist provides specific guidelines to help you prepare, and lab testing may be required ahead of your surgery date.

During the Procedure

  1. The affected area is examined and marked with a surgical marker.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered.
  3. A thin layer of visible cancerous tissue is removed.
  4. The tissue is mapped, dyed, and sent to an on-site lab.
  5. A technician freezes and slices the tissue for microscopic examination.
  6. Your surgeon checks the slides for remaining cancer cells.
  7. Additional layers are removed and examined until no cancer cells remain.
  8. The wound is closed with stitches.

Recovery

Most patients experience mild bruising or swelling and are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 7 to 10 days. Daily wound care is required, and most wounds heal within 4 to 6 weeks.

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What Makes Mohs Surgery the Most Effective Skin Cancer Treatment?

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment because it allows your surgeon to examine 100% of the tissue margin in real time, removing only the affected tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This precision typically results in the smallest possible scar.

When Should You See a Dermatologist About Skin Cancer?

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:

  • Any new or changing growth on your skin
  • A sore that hasn’t healed within a few weeks
  • A spot that bleeds, itches, or crusts without explanation
  • A personal or family history of skin cancer

Mohs Surgery in Hinsdale, Northbrook & Chicago

Illinois Dermatology Institute provides Mohs surgery at multiple convenient locations, performed by fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeons:

Location Mohs Surgeon(s)
Hinsdale, IL David Rosenfeld, MD
Northbrook, IL Kelly Park, MD, MSL, FAAD, FACMS; David Rosenfeld, MD
Crown Point, IN Benjamin Kahn, MD, FAAD; Ruchik Desai, MD
Park Ridge, IL Jeffrey Altman, MD; Keith Lopatka, MD
Palos Heights, IL Keith Lopatka, MD

Patients can schedule with any of our Mohs surgeons based on proximity, availability, or specific expertise.

Schedule Your Mohs Surgery Consultation

A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are here to answer your questions and guide your care from the very first visit.

Schedule your consultation with a Mohs surgeon today.

FAQs

Mohs surgery at IDI is performed by our board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons across multiple locations.
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