Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the most successful procedure for removing nonmelanoma skin cancers. The goal of Mohs surgery is to completely remove the skin cancer while keeping as much normal skin tissue intact.

Patrick Killian, M.D., Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon
Patrick Killian, M.D., Mohs Cancer Surgeon at Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery Center describes the benefits of Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer, and what to expect from the procedure.
Skin cancer is the most common from of human cancer. There are three major types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. They are referred to as “nonmelanoma skin cancer” to differentiate them from melanoma, the most serious form of cancer that can metastasize (or spread) throughout our body.
According to Dr. Killian, “with Mohs surgery, 100% of the specimen is examined, which explains why Mohs surgery results in much higher cure rates than other forms of surgery. This differs from a standard surgical excision when the pathologist slices the specimen vertically, like a loaf of bread. Using this technique, the pathologist is only sampling the margins of the tissue, so only 1% of the specimen is being examined.”
Processing the skin sample during Mohs Surgery takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Once the sample is processed, it is examined under the microscope to check multiple sections, making sure all of the cancerous cells have been removed. If cancerous cells are still present, the Mohs surgeon must go back and remove more tissue until the margins are clear upon examination. Once the margins are clear, the wound is sutured and dressed and you are given complete home care instructions. The average time spent at the clinic by a Mohs patient is 2-6 hours, depending on the case.
According to Dr. Killian, “because Mohs surgery removes the smallest amount of tissue possible, the size of your scar is minimized. Also, more importantly, all cancerous cells have been removed.”
About Dr. Patrick Killian
After obtaining his Doctorate from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1999, Dr. Killian quickly joined the American Academy of Dermatology, the Ohio Dermatological Association and the Central Ohio Dermatological Society.
Dr. Killian served as a resident in the Division of Dermatology at Ohio State University and completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery in 2004 at the Skin Cancer Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
A noted authority on Mohs Surgery, Dr. Killian has authored several publications and lectures to colleagues on a variety of dermatology topics. He has received many honors including Salutatorian at University of Notre Dame where he received his undergraduate degree, and honors standing throughout medical school.
Dr. Killian is a Cleveland area dermatologist in private practice in Medina, Ohio.
Call the Mohs Skin Cancer Center at 330.721.9990 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Killian or another dermatologist at Trillium Creek Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center.
The Mohs Skin Cancer Center is located at 5783 Wooster Pike, Medina, Ohio 44256.















