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Applegarth Dermatology PC

Serving the areas of Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana

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INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

*Please note these are our top companies that we participate with.  This is not a complete list.  Please contact your insurace carrier to verify whether or not we are in your provider network.

Traditional Medicare

Railroad Medicare

Sagamore

Cigna

Encore

United Healthcare

CHA

Coventry

CCN

First Health

Aetna

PHCS

Multi Plan

UMR

Lutheran Preferred

Indiana Health Network

Anthem BCBS PPO

Anthem BCBS PDS

Caresource - Medicare Plan

AARP Medicare Complete

IU Health Plans - Medicare and Commercial

Tricare

Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO

AMBETTER

EFFECTIVE 2/22/19: WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ALLWELL

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Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Mohs surgery, also called Mohs or Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized treatment for removing certain skin cancers. Your dermatologist will determine if Mohs surgery is appropriate for treating your skin cancer, depending on the type of skin cancer you have, its size and its location on your body. 

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is the surgical removal of skin cancer from your skin. It is the only treatment method that allows for evaluation of the margins (areas surrounding the visible skin cancer) while you wait, ensuring that all skin cancer cells have been removed before you leave the office. This results in the removal of the least amount of healthy tissue, which is especially important when skin cancer develops in a sensitive area where it is important to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.


Caption: Mohs Surgery on the hand

Most Mohs surgeons are board-certified dermatologists who have completed additional training in Mohs surgery. Mohs surgeons not only perform the surgery, but also examine the tissue under the microscope to ensure all cancer cells have been removed.

Mohs surgeons often also have training in reconstructive techniques to enhance healing and minimize scarring.

How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?

Mohs surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a dermatologist’s office. You remain awake during Mohs surgery and receive a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area. The use of a local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia (which puts the patient to sleep) is much safer, and it reduces recovery time with fewer side effects.

If you are concerned about discomfort during the procedure, share your concerns with the Mohs surgeon to see how he/she can make you feel more comfortable.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the Mohs surgeon removes the visible skin cancer. The removed tissue is processed in the lab and then examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon to determine if there are any cancer cells remaining at the margins of the removed tissue. During this time, you wait in the surgical suite or office.

If cancer cells are still present at any edge of the removed tissue, the Mohs surgeon will continue to remove skin specifically at the location where the cancer cells remain. You will have to wait again for the tissue to be processed and for the Mohs surgeon to examine it under a microscope.

This process is repeated until all cancer cells have been removed.

After the Mohs surgery is completed, your Mohs surgeon will discuss with you the best way for the wound to heal. Stitches may be required, or your wound may be bandaged and allowed to heal on its own. Any surgical repair is usually performed on the same day. Your Mohs surgeon will determine the best approach with you. In certain instances, you may be referred to another medical doctor to repair the wound.

Each review of the removed skin can take one to two hours. In almost all cases, Mohs surgery can be completed within a day or less.

What to Expect During Mohs Surgery?


The visible tumor and a small segment of surronding skin are removed.


The tissue is examined under a microscope to see if any cancer cells remain at any of the edges.


If any cancer remains, additional skin continues to be removed and examined under the microscope.


This process continues until no more cancer cells are found.

When Is Mohs Surgery the Best Treatment Option?

Mohs surgery can be used to treat certain cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, depending on their size and type.

It also may be used in sensitive areas — such as on the face, an ear, a finger or a toe — because the Mohs surgeon attempts to remove as little normal skin as possible while ensuring that the entire skin cancer is removed.

Mohs surgery is also useful for other types of aggressive or difficult-to-treat skin cancers, such as those that are rapidly growing, are large, have poorly defined borders or regrow following a previous treatment.

Why Do Dermatologists Recommend Mohs Surgery?

Dermatologists recommend Mohs surgery because it preserves as much normal, healthy tissue as possible and has a high cure rate.

Is Mohs Surgery the Best Skin Cancer Treatment?

While Mohs surgery has many advantages, it is not the right treatment for everyone or for every skin cancer. Your dermatologist will consider many factors before determining if Mohs surgery is right for you. These factors include the type of skin cancer and its location, as well as your overall health.

Your dermatologist will evaluate all possible options and help determine the best treatment for you.

A board-certified dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. To learn more about Mohs surgery or to find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/mohs or call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376).

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Copyright © by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides

American Academy of Dermatology

P.O. Box 1968, Des Plaines, Illinois 60017

AAD Public Information Center: 888.462.DERM (3376)

AAD Member Resource Center: 866.503.SKIN (7546)

Outside the United States: 847.240.1280

Web: aad.org

Email: mailto:[email protected]


Learn More

  • Acne
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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Acne and rosacea
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    • Acne scars
    • Acne products: How to avoid allergic reaction
    • Acne: Tips to help you see clearer skin
    • Adult acne
    • Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
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    • Rosacea: Skin Care Do's and Don'ts
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    • Melasma:Tips to Make It Less Noticeable
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    • Eczema: Tips to help children feel better
    • Eczema Bleach bath therapy
  • Hair and scalp problems
    • Alopecia areata
    • Hair loss
    • Scalp psoriasis
  • Itchy skin
    • Bedbugs
    • Hives
    • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
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  • Rashes
    • Lichen planus
    • Lupus and your skin
    • Pityriasis rosea
  • Scaly skin
    • Actinic keratosis
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriasis Skin Care Guide
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Skin cancer
    • Basal cell carcinoma
    • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
    • Imiquimod: A treatment for some skin cancers, genital warts
    • Melanoma
      • Next steps after a melanoma diagnosis
    • Merkel cell carcinoma
    • Sebaceous carcinoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Skin cancer in people of color
    • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Who's got your back
    • Can you spot skin cancer?
  • Skin, hair, and nail care
    • Skin care
      • How to Apply Sunscreen
      • How to Shave
      • Skin Self-Exam: How to Do
      • Face Washing 101
      • How to Apply Self-Tanner
      • Get the most from your skin care products
      • Dry skin relief
      • Preventing skin conditions in athletes
      • How to care for tattooed skin
      • How to care for pierced ears
      • How to Treat Diaper Rash
      • Skin Care on a Budget
      • How to Treat Boils and Styes
      • How to Treat Dandruff
      • How to Treat Shingles
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      • How to Treat Hives in Children
      • Wrinkle Remedies
    • Hair care / hair loss
      • How to Style Hair Without Damage
      • Tips for Healthy Hair
      • How to remove gum without cutting hair
      • Coloring and perming tips
    • Injured skin
      • Tips for treating poison ivy
      • How to treat sunburn
      • Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar
      • How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite
    • Nail care
      • Manicure and pedicure safety
      • Tips for Healthy Nails
  • Other conditions
    • Diabetes warning signs
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Our Location

1861 S. Sturdy Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-0360
 
3444 Monroe
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-0161

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Appointment Request

Valparaiso, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 1861 S. Sturdy Rd. Valparaiso, IN46383 (219) 548-0360 Dermatologist in Valparaiso, IN Call For Pricing
La Porte, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 3444 Monroe St. La Porte, IN46350 (219) 362-0161 Dermatologist in La Porte, IN Call For Pricing
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