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Mohs Surgery

Appointments
Referral required

If you have skin cancer and want it removed with as little neighboring skin or tissue damage as possible, Mohs surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System may be for you. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with the highest cure rates.

Watch this video to learn how Mohs surgery is used to treat skin cancer: 

 

On this page Conditions treated Diagnosis & treatments Care team Locations FAQ
Older adult holding a young child outdoors near farm vehicles as two adults look on.
Mohs surgery illustration
Services and care options may vary by location
Not all conditions, consultation types, diagnostic tools or treatments described on this page are available at every location. Please contact your local clinic to confirm which services are offered near you.

Conditions treated

Our specially trained surgeons use Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer. During the initial consultation, the Dermatologist will get your health history and evaluate the cancerous spot. If the surgeon determines you are a good candidate for Mohs surgery, you will discuss how the surgery works and receive preoperative instructions.

Diagnosis & treatments

The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all the skin cancer without damaging the healthy skin around it. This increases the chances that the cancer is cured and reduces the need for other treatments or more surgery.

During Mohs surgery, surgeons first numb the area. Thin layers of skin are cut away, each examined for signs of cancer. The process is repeated until there are no signs of cancer.

Most people can go home after surgery and don't need a hospital stay.

Care team

Surgeons who perform Mohs procedures at Mayo Clinic have the highest degree of advanced training. In addition to achieving board certification in micrographic dermatologic surgery, they also complete a one- to two-year fellowship in micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology.

Michael Colgan, M.D.

Dermatology, Mohs Surgery

Eau Claire
Annette (Nikki) Sullivan, M.D.

Dermatology, Mohs Surgery

Mankato
John Kohorst MD

Dermatology, Mohs Surgery

La Crosse, Onalaska

Locations View all Mohs Surgery locations

LaCrosseHospital_Web_ 960x640
La Crosse, WI
Hospital
Directions
700 West Ave. S., La Crosse, WI 54601
EauClaire_Web_960x640
Eau Claire, WI
Hospital
Directions
1221 Whipple St., Eau Claire, WI 54703
MadisonEastMankato_Web_960x640
Mankato, MN
Madison East Health Center
Directions
1400 Madison Ave., Suite 100AA, Mankato, MN 56001

FAQ

  • What should I bring for my first appointment?

    For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

  • How should I prepare for my surgery?

    Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers in case the room is warm or cold. Because there is some waiting time during surgery, bring a book, magazine or other activity to help you pass the time.

  • What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

    Our Patient Account Services representatives can assist you with any issues related to billing and insurance. We also offer financial assistance if you are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship.

  • Can you provide a second opinion?

    Yes. Call the appointment number at your preferred Mohs surgery location.

  • Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

    Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.