At Specialists in Dermatology, the goal is to replace that uncertainty with a confidence that comes from nearly 20 years of clinical excellence.
Led by Dr. Robert Cook-Norris and Dr. Brent Shook, both double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery, The Woodlands and Houston practice is setting the local standard for skin cancer care.
With more than 25,000 individual patients treated and over 4,500 Mohs procedures performed annually, the team brings a level of experience that allows them to remove skin cancer with a 99% cure rate.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is most commonly used to treat the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours. During surgery, the visible tumor is removed and immediately processed in an on-site laboratory.
Unlike traditional excisions, Mohs surgery allows physicians to examine the entire 360-degree edge and underside of the removed skin under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, they are able to take another thin piece of skin to examine. The process continues until margins are clear.
“[Mohs surgery] offers the highest cure rate and the best cosmetic result,” Dr. Cook-Norris said.
This is especially valuable for patients with cancers on the face or other visible areas.
“No one ever notices the scars unless I point them out, and even then, they have to look closely,” one patient said.
Superficial radiation therapy: a non-surgical option
While Mohs surgery remains the gold standard, not every patient is a surgical candidate.
For select cases, the practice offers superficial radiation therapy, or SRT, a non-invasive treatment that uses radiation to target skin cancer cells without cutting the skin.
It is typically appropriate for skin cancers that are not deeply invasive and is often utilized for older patients, or for cancers in areas that may be difficult to heal, such as the scalp or lower legs.
Treatments are usually completed over eight to 10 sessions and are about 15 minutes long. Cure rates are approximately 98%.
Having both surgical and non-surgical options under one roof allows physicians to tailor care, rather than defaulting to a single approach.
“It’s nice to be able to customize the treatment plan based on … the patient’s age, tumor location and tumor type,” Dr. Cook-Norris said.
An experience that extends beyond the procedure
Clear communication and a supportive team make a meaningful difference in skin cancer treatment.
“Dr. Shook and [the] nurses are the best,” one patient said. “The doctor explains what he is doing, and the nurses are great in telling me the steps for my Mohs surgery. I appreciate the quality of care and the relationships that develop as [I] work with their team. [It’s] quite unusual that the nurse walks with you to checkout and tells you goodbye at the door when you leave the office.”
That emphasis on patient experience reflects the culture of the practice, which includes nearly 50 employees, five experienced physician assistants and an in-house laboratory. The practice maintains a 4.8-star average rating across hundreds of reviews.
Comprehensive dermatology under one roof
Although advanced skin cancer treatment is a major focus, Specialists in Dermatology provides a full spectrum of dermatologic care.
The practice treats patients of all ages, from infants to those over 100 years old, addressing concerns such as acne, rashes and more. An in-house esthetician offers services including chemical peels, hydrafacials and microneedling, and a provider with cosmetic expertise performs Botox and filler treatments.
A core value of the practice is ensuring that high-caliber dermatology is accessible to the entire community.
Specialists in Dermatology is equipped to support a diverse patient population, with a staff highly trained in treating skin of color. The office also features Spanish-speaking staff members, allowing many patients to navigate their care without a language barrier.
Furthermore, the practice strives to reduce financial uncertainty by accepting most major insurance plans.
Take the next step in skin health
At Specialists in Dermatology, patients don’t just find the gold standard of care; they find a team of experts dedicated to guiding them through every step of their journey toward health and recovery.
Whether you need a routine skin check, a consultation for a new spot or Mohs surgery, the team is ready to help.
Click here to learn more about Specialists in Dermatology or to schedule an appointment today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.