Skin Cancer & Dermatologic Surgery
Specialized care for the assessment and treatment of skin cancer, precancerous lesions and conditions requiring dermatologic surgery.
At CTC International, our physicians provide evaluation and treatment of suspicious skin lesions, precancerous changes and skin cancers. Treatment recommendations are individualized according to the diagnosis, location and needs of each patient and may include dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery or photodynamic therapy when appropriate.
Skin Cancer Assessment
Evaluation of suspicious or changing skin lesions, with appropriate investigation to establish a diagnosis and determine the next steps in care.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
A specialized surgical technique used for certain skin cancers that allows cancerous tissue to be removed while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
Dermatologic Surgery
Surgical treatment of selected skin cancers and other skin lesions, with an individualized approach based on the diagnosis, location and needs of each patient.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Light-activated dermatologic treatment using photosensitizing agents. Our clinic offers METVIX® with red light or daylight and ALA with blue-light activation, depending on the treatment protocol.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
A specialized approach to skin cancer treatment
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. During the procedure, the visible cancer is removed along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is then carefully examined to determine whether cancer cells remain at the margins.
If cancer cells are still present, another thin layer of tissue is removed specifically from the affected area and examined. This process is repeated until the examined margins are clear.
Because tissue is removed and examined in stages, Mohs surgery allows the physician to treat the skin cancer while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
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Referral & Scheduling for Mohs Surgery
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A physician referral and/or pathology report is required before a Mohs surgery appointment can be scheduled.
Once our clinic has received the necessary referral and/or pathology report, our team will review the information and contact you directly to arrange your Mohs surgery appointment.
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You do not need to contact the clinic to schedule the procedure before these documents have been received.
What Happens During Mohs Surgery?
1. Preparation & Local Anesthesia
The treatment area is prepared and numbed with local anesthetic. The patient remains awake during the procedure.
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2. Removal of the First Layer
The surgeon removes the visible skin cancer along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
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3. Microscopic Examination
The removed tissue is carefully prepared and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells remain at the margins.
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4. Additional Layers if Needed
If cancer cells are identified at the margins, the surgeon removes another thin layer specifically from the area where cancer remains. The tissue is examined again. This process continues until the margins are clear.
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5. Reconstruction
Once the margins are clear, the physician determines the most appropriate way to manage or reconstruct the surgical area based on its size, location and individual circumstances.
Preparing for Your Mohs Surgery
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Please follow these instructions carefully before your procedure.
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10 days before surgery
If you take aspirin, please discuss whether it can safely be stopped before your procedure. If you take a prescription blood thinner, contact the physician who prescribed it and follow their instructions regarding whether and when it should be interrupted. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner without approval from the prescribing physician. -
3 days before surgery
Avoid Advil®/ibuprofen and other non-prescribed anti-inflammatory pain medications, as well as alcohol, for three days before your procedure. If you need pain relief and acetaminophen is normally safe for you, use Tylenol® (acetaminophen) instead. -
On the morning of your surgery
Have a good breakfast before coming to the clinic unless your physician has given you different instructions. Bring an up-to-date list of all medications you currently take.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How Long Should I Expect to Be at the Clinic?
Please plan to spend approximately 3–4 hours at the clinic.
Mohs surgery is performed in stages. Between stages, the removed tissue must be prepared and examined under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, another layer may need to be removed and examined. For this reason, the exact duration of the procedure cannot always be predicted.
One accompanying person may come with you if needed.
Getting to the Clinic
Parking in the area can be limited. Please allow additional time before your appointment.
Nearby parking:
2250 rue Guy
Montréal, QC
After Your Mohs Surgery
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Once the cancer has been completely removed, your physician will determine the appropriate way to manage the surgical site. Depending on the size and location of the area, this may include sutures or another method of wound management. Mohs reconstruction is commonly performed after the margins have been cleared.
Before leaving the clinic, you will receive instructions for caring for the surgical area.
Your physician will call you that evening to check on your recovery and make sure you are doing well following the procedure.
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Wound Care
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For wounds closed with stitches:
Keep the dressing in place for the first 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove the dressing and gently cleanse the area with sterile water using an applicator or Q-tip.
Apply a generous layer of Vaseline® (petrolatum) and cover the area with a clean dressing.
Repeat this wound-care routine once daily for 14 days, unless your physician gives you different instructions.
Stitches are generally removed approximately 14 days after surgery, according to your physician's instructions.
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If You Live Far From the Clinic
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If returning to our clinic for suture removal is difficult, we can provide the necessary documentation so that you can arrange suture removal at your local CLSC.
Patients who prefer to return to our clinic can have their follow-up arranged with our team.
If you experience increasing pain, fever, significant or persistent bleeding, or another urgent concern after surgery, please follow the postoperative instructions provided by your physician. Outside clinic hours, seek appropriate urgent medical care or go to the nearest emergency department when necessary.
Dermatologic Surgery
Surgical Care Tailored to Each Patient
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Our physicians provide dermatologic surgical care for selected skin cancers and other skin lesions when surgical treatment is appropriate.
The recommended approach depends on the diagnosis, size and location of the lesion, as well as the individual needs of the patient. Before treatment, your physician will discuss the procedure, expected healing and any necessary follow-up with you.
Depending on the condition being treated, dermatologic surgery may include a biopsy, surgical excision or another appropriate procedure. When a lesion is removed, the surgical area may be closed with sutures or managed using another wound-healing approach depending on its size and location.
Treatment recommendations are determined individually following assessment by the physician.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Light-Activated Dermatologic Treatment
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Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, combines a photosensitizing medication with a specific source of light. The medication is applied to the treatment area and is subsequently activated by light as part of the treatment.
At CTC International, we offer photodynamic therapy using METVIX® with red light or daylight, as well as ALA with blue light, depending on the treatment protocol and the condition being treated.
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METVIX® + Red Light
METVIX® (methyl aminolevulinate) is a photosensitizing medication used in photodynamic therapy. After the medication is applied and the appropriate preparation period has passed, the treatment area is exposed to red light.
In Canada, METVIX® red-light PDT is indicated for certain actinic keratoses and certain superficial basal cell carcinomas. The physician will determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on the individual lesion and diagnosis.Â
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METVIX® + Daylight
For appropriate actinic keratoses, METVIX® may also be used with natural daylight instead of a red-light source.
Because daylight treatment depends on appropriate weather and temperature conditions, its suitability may vary according to the season and conditions on the day of treatment. Because daylight treatment depends on appropriate weather and temperature conditions, its suitability may vary according to the season and conditions on the day of treatment.
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ALA + Blue Light
Our clinic also offers photodynamic therapy using ALA (aminolevulinic acid) followed by activation with blue light.
The physician will determine whether ALA photodynamic therapy is appropriate and will provide specific instructions for preparation, treatment and aftercare.
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Which PDT Treatment Is Right for Me?
The appropriate photosensitizing medication, light source and treatment protocol are selected by the physician following assessment of your skin condition. Not every type of PDT is appropriate for every lesion. Treatment recommendations are individualized according to the diagnosis and the patient's needs.
Skin Cancer Assessment
Evaluation of Suspicious or Changing Skin Lesions
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Changes in the skin can have many causes, and most skin lesions are not cancerous. However, a new, changing or persistent lesion should be assessed when there is concern.
Our physicians evaluate suspicious skin lesions and determine whether monitoring, biopsy or treatment may be appropriate. A biopsy is commonly used when tissue needs to be examined microscopically to establish a diagnosis.Â
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When Should a Skin Lesion Be Evaluated?
Consider having a lesion assessed if you notice:
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a new or changing mole or growth;
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a lesion that does not heal;
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persistent crusting, oozing or bleeding;
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changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing lesion; or
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another persistent change in your skin that concerns you.
A dermatologist can examine the area and determine whether further investigation, monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Already Diagnosed With Skin Cancer?
If you have already been diagnosed with skin cancer and have been referred to our clinic for surgical treatment, please ensure that your physician referral and/or pathology report is sent to our clinic.
For Mohs micrographic surgery, an appointment is scheduled after we have received the necessary referral and/or pathology information. Once the required documentation has been received, our team will contact you directly to arrange your appointment.
Need an Appointment?
For general skin cancer assessment or dermatologic surgery inquiries, please contact our clinic by email. Include your name, contact information and a brief description of the reason for your appointment. Our team will respond with the appropriate next steps.
Please note: Appointment requests are handled by email only. Mohs surgery appointments require the appropriate referral and/or pathology documentation and are scheduled by our clinic after the necessary information has been received.