Patient Story: Extensive Scalp Basal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Mohs Surgery and Skin Grafting

A 78-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a large basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the scalp, a sun-exposed area where skin cancers can grow wide and deep before detection. To ensure complete cancer removal with the best possible outcome, Dr. Lance Henry, double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic surgeon, and the most experienced Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon in the region, recommended Mohs micrographic surgery followed by skin graft reconstruction.

The cancer was more extensive than it initially appeared, requiring five stages of Mohs surgery to fully remove all cancerous tissue. Once clear margins were confirmed under the microscope, the resulting surgical defect was too large for primary closure. Dr. Henry performed a skin graft, using healthy tissue from another part of the body to successfully cover and protect the wound.

At 9 weeks post-op, the healing graft was well-positioned with a healthy pink tone—evidence of strong vascular integration and excellent recovery. While the scar was still maturing, the site showed smooth edges, no complications, and promising progress.

At 1 year post-op, the final image tells the full story: the graft is fully integrated with surrounding scalp tissue, the scar has faded, and the area is flat, durable, and healthy. The patient experienced no recurrence, and his long-term outcome reflects both oncologic success and reconstructive precision.

This case is a testament to the effectiveness of advanced Mohs technique and surgical grafting in complex skin cancer cases. The patient is now cancer-free and fully healed, with a result that will serve him well for years to come.

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