Decision guide

SRT or Mohs? There's no one right answer — only the right one for you.

Most skin cancer practices only offer surgery, so surgery is what they recommend. Because Paolini Skin Institute offers both Mohs surgery and Superficial Radiation Therapy, we can be honest about the trade-offs and help you choose with your doctor.

Side by side

The honest comparison.

Both are excellent, well-established treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer. Here's how they differ in practice.

 
Mohs Surgery
SRT
Approach
Surgical removal
Non-surgical radiation
Cure rate (non-melanoma)
Up to ~99%
High, for selected cancers
Anesthesia
Local injection
None needed
Cutting & stitches
Yes
No
Scarring
Minimized, but present
Usually minimal / none
Number of visits
Often a single day
Several over a few weeks
Downtime
Wound care for 1–2 weeks
Little to none
Blood thinners
May need management
Generally no change
Best for
High-risk, recurrent, large or aggressive tumors
Surgery-averse patients, delicate areas, older patients

General information only and not medical advice. Cure rates depend on tumor type, size, and location. Your dermatologist will recommend the best option for your specific diagnosis.

Mohs may be best if…

  • Your cancer is high-risk, large, or aggressive
  • It has recurred after a previous treatment
  • It's in an area where confirming clear margins matters most
  • You want it removed and repaired in a single visit
  • You're a good candidate for minor surgery

SRT may be best if…

  • You'd prefer to avoid surgery, stitches, and scarring
  • The cancer is on a delicate area like the nose, ear, or eyelid
  • You're older or have health conditions that complicate surgery
  • You take blood thinners you can't easily stop
  • Cosmetic outcome is a top priority for you

Still not sure? That's exactly why we're here.

Bring your diagnosis to a consultation and we'll walk through both options with you — no pressure, no agenda, just the path that fits your cancer, your face, and your life.

Ready when you are.

Book online in under a minute, or call and speak with our team. New patients are always welcome.

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