Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Skin Cancer Treatment in Spencer, IA
Gaul Dermatology has been dedicated to providing advanced skin cancer treatments since 1986. Our practice specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly effective technique developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs, with a focus on precision and tissue preservation. Dr. Gaul, a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Micrographic Surgery, brings over three decades of experience in treating complex skin cancers. We offer comprehensive care, including pre-operative preparation, post-operative wound management, and alternative therapies for precancers.Our team prioritizes patient education, personalized treatment plans, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficacy. With a commitment to excellence, we have served Spencer, IA, and surrounding areas, ensuring optimal outcomes for thousands of patients. Our practice emphasizes transparency, compassionate care, and staying at the forefront of dermatologic advancements to deliver trusted, results-driven solutions.
Services
Mohs Surgery
Skin Cancer Treatment
Post-Op Wound Care
Precancer Treatments
Biopsies
Excision
Electrodesiccation and Curettage
Imiquimod Cream
Cryosurgery
Oral Medications
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer Mohs surgery with a 99% cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Our surgeon trained directly with Dr. Frederic Mohs, the procedure's founder.
- We provide personalized pre- and post-operative care tailored to individual needs.
- Our team has over 30 years of experience in dermatologic surgery and reconstruction.
- We utilize multiple treatment modalities to address diverse skin cancer cases.
Services
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a specialized outpatient procedure removing skin cancers layer-by-layer with immediate microscopic margin analysis. This tissue-sparing approach achieves 99% cure rates for non-melanoma cancers while minimizing scarring. Ideal for facial tumors, recurrent cancers, or large lesions requiring precise excision.
Excision
Excision involves removing visible skin cancers with 2-3mm safety margins using a scalpel. The tissue gets sent for pathology confirmation. Sutures typically close the wound, offering high cure rates for small, low-risk basal and squamous cell carcinomas on non-critical areas.
Electrodesiccation and Curettage
This two-step process scrapes away cancerous tissue with a curette then cauterizes remaining cells using an electric needle. Effective for small, superficial basal and squamous cell carcinomas on trunk and limbs, achieving 90-95% cure rates with minimal downtime.
Imiquimod Cream
Imiquimod cream stimulates immune response against precancerous and superficial skin lesions. Applied five days weekly for weeks, it causes localized inflammation followed by healing. Suitable for actinic keratoses and low-risk facial lesions where surgery poses cosmetic concerns.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal cells through freezing. Best for precancerous actinic keratoses, this non-invasive option requires no anesthesia but offers lower cure rates compared to surgical methods for invasive cancers.
People
B. L. Gaul, M.D.
Dermatologic Surgeon
Dr. Gaul trained directly with Dr. Frederic Mohs, achieving board certification in 1986 and recertification in 2001. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in Mohs surgery and reconstructive techniques, treating thousands of skin cancer patients while maintaining active memberships in leading dermatologic societies.
C. N. Bolluyt, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Courtney Bolluyt, PA-C, provides comprehensive dermatologic care under Dr. Gaul's supervision, assisting with skin cancer treatments, patient education, and post-operative management while maintaining strict adherence to clinical protocols and patient safety standards.
Questions
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a precise skin cancer removal technique that examines 100% of tumor margins microscopically, achieving up to 99% cure rates for non-melanoma cancers.
How should I prepare for Mohs surgery?
Avoid blood thinners 5-10 days prior, eat normally, shower beforehand, and arrange transportation if near-eye surgery is planned.
What happens after Mohs surgery?
Wound care options include natural healing, immediate repair, or referral for complex reconstruction, with detailed post-op instructions provided.
What skin cancer treatments do you offer?
We provide Mohs surgery, excision, cryosurgery, topical therapies, and oral medications for basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Avoid tanning, use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours to reduce UV exposure risks.
How do I request medical records?
Download and complete our release form, sign it, and mail with a self-addressed envelope to our Spencer, IA office.
