Jerry Davich

Metro columnist

“Before we begin, do you have any questions?” a surgical assistant asked me.

I had just arrived at a Dermio Dermatology clinic to undergo a Mohs procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma — the most common skin cancer — on my right temple. It was diagnosed a few months ago by my dermatologist, Alex Porucznik, at Applegarth Dermatology in Valparaiso.

He found, and removed, a similar basal cell carcinoma on my back during my annual exam at his office. For the one on my face, he recommended the Mohs procedure, a specialized surgical technique that involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue, one at a time, and examining them under a microscope until all cancerous cells are eliminated.

As usual, I had dozens of questions for the surgical assistant and th

See Full Page