Approach
Mohs: Surgical removal with same-visit margin checks
GentleCure®: Non-surgical, image-guided radiotherapy
Skin Cancer Center · Comparing options
Mohs Surgery vs. GentleCure® IG-SRT
For selected basal and squamous cell skin cancers, two very different treatments come up: Mohs micrographic surgery and GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT. Here is a balanced look at how they differ — and why the right choice is made with a dermatologist, from your pathology.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Karla Snider Pivik, DO, FAAD, FAOCD — board‑certified dermatologist
The short answer
Two different tools for the same goal.
Both Mohs surgery and GentleCure® IG-SRT are used for selected nonmelanoma skin cancers — mainly basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. They are not used for melanoma. Mohs is a surgery that removes tissue and checks margins during the procedure; GentleCure® is non-surgical and uses image-guided low-energy X-ray. Which is appropriate depends on your pathology report, the tumor, your health, and your goals.
✓ Both are used for selected basal and squamous cell skin cancers — not melanoma
✓ Mohs is a surgery that removes tissue and checks margins during the procedure
✓ GentleCure® IG-SRT is non-surgical and uses image-guided low-energy X-ray
✓ The right choice depends on your pathology, the tumor, your health, and your goals
Mohs micrographic surgery
Surgical removal with same-visit margin control
How it works. Mohs micrographic surgery removes the visible cancer, then examines the tissue margins under a microscope during the same visit, removing more only where cancer remains.
Often considered for. Higher-risk, recurrent, poorly defined, or cosmetically sensitive skin cancers, where tissue-sparing removal and margin control are priorities.
What to expect. A surgical procedure with local anesthetic, stitches, and a wound that heals over time. Reconstruction may be part of the same visit.
At Juniper. Mohs surgery is coming soon and is not yet bookable here. We will update this page when the service is available.
GentleCure® / IG-SRT
Non-surgical, image-guided radiotherapy
How it works. GentleCure® Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT) uses high-definition imaging to guide low-energy X-ray to the tumor over a series of short sessions — no surgical incision.
Often considered for. Selected basal and squamous cell skin cancers, including some cosmetically sensitive areas, when a dermatologist determines it is appropriate.
What to expect. About 15-minute sessions, a few times a week over roughly 4–7 weeks. Temporary skin reactions such as redness or irritation can occur; longer-term skin changes are possible.
At Juniper. GentleCure® IG-SRT is available at our Bend office for selected nonmelanoma skin cancers; evaluation may begin in Redmond.
Side by side
How the two options compare.
Both can be appropriate depending on the situation; this is a general comparison, not a recommendation.
Anesthesia
Mohs: Local anesthetic; surgical wound and stitches
GentleCure®: No incision or stitches
Visits
Mohs: Typically a single procedure visit
GentleCure®: Multiple short sessions over about 4–7 weeks
How Juniper treats melanoma
Mohs: Juniper reserves melanoma treatment for surgical management rather than this comparison pathway
GentleCure®: Juniper does not use GentleCure® IG-SRT for melanoma
Availability at Juniper
Mohs: Coming soon — not yet bookable
GentleCure®: Available in Bend for selected cases
A dermatologist-led decision
The right option is the one matched to your cancer.
The most important step is an exact diagnosis. After a skin check and biopsy, your dermatologist reviews the pathology and the tumor’s features, location, and risk — along with your health and goals — to recommend an appropriate path. Sometimes more than one option is reasonable, and we will talk it through.
At Juniper, GentleCure® IG-SRT is available in Bend for selected nonmelanoma skin cancers. Mohs surgery is coming soon and is not yet bookable here; in the meantime we offer skin checks, biopsy, pathology-guided planning, and surgical excision in Bend and Redmond.
Questions & answers
Mohs vs. GentleCure® FAQ.
Is Mohs surgery or GentleCure® better?
Neither is universally better — they are different treatments suited to different situations. Mohs surgery removes the tumor and checks margins during the procedure and is often chosen for higher-risk or cosmetically sensitive cancers. GentleCure® IG-SRT avoids a surgical incision and may be appropriate for selected basal or squamous cell cancers. The right choice depends on your pathology, the tumor's features and location, your health, and your preferences, and is made with a dermatologist.
Can I get Mohs surgery at Juniper?
Mohs surgery is coming soon to Juniper and is not yet bookable here. Currently we offer skin checks, biopsy, pathology-guided planning, and surgical excision in Bend and Redmond, and GentleCure® IG-SRT in Bend for selected nonmelanoma skin cancers. We will update this page when Mohs becomes available.
How does Juniper treat melanoma?
Juniper treats melanoma surgically rather than with GentleCure® IG-SRT. Depending on the melanoma's depth and other features, staging and coordinated oncology care may also be needed. This page focuses on treatment decisions for selected basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
How do I know which option is right for me?
It starts with an exact diagnosis. After a skin check and biopsy, your dermatologist reviews the pathology report along with the tumor's size, location, and risk features, your overall health, and your goals to recommend an appropriate option — which may include surgical excision, GentleCure®, coordinated specialty care, or, once available, Mohs surgery.
Does GentleCure® leave a scar?
GentleCure® IG-SRT avoids a surgical incision, so there is no surgical scar from cutting. The treated skin can still change during and after treatment — temporary redness or irritation is common, and longer-term changes such as pigment change or skin thinning are possible. Your care team reviews what to expect for your treatment site.
What about recovery and downtime?
Mohs surgery involves a surgical wound that heals over time and may include reconstruction. GentleCure® IG-SRT has no incision, and many patients continue usual activities, though the treated skin may need care. Your dermatologist will explain the recovery expectations for whichever option fits your case.
Independent sources
Trusted references on Mohs surgery & radiotherapy.
These independent, authoritative resources can help you learn more about both approaches.
- StatPearls — Mohs Micrographic Surgery (NCBI Bookshelf) Peer-reviewed clinical reference on Mohs surgery.
- American College of Mohs Surgery — For patients Patient information about Mohs micrographic surgery.
- Skin Cancer Foundation — Mohs surgery Overview of what Mohs surgery is and how it works.
- American Cancer Society — Radiation therapy for skin cancer How radiation is used for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
- National Cancer Institute — Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®) Evidence-based summary of skin cancer treatment options.
Bend & Redmond · Central Oregon
Not sure which option fits? Start with an evaluation.
A dermatologist-led skin cancer evaluation and pathology guide the right choice for your specific cancer.