The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute was established in March 2020 by Dr Johann de Wet as a centre of excellence in skin cancer treatment and a referral centre for skin cancer patients from all over the Western Cape.
The service includes a multi-professional team of medical specialists comprising of dermatologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, head-and-neck surgeons, cancer surgeons and oncologists.
Although international guidelines have recommended Mohs Micrographic Surgery as the gold standard treatment for skin cancers for many years, access to this treatment in South Africa has been minimal. With the establishment of the Mohs Micrographic Surgery service in Somerset West, this world-class treatment became available to all skin cancer patients in the Western Cape.
Patients who will benefit from Mohs surgery are those with larger cancers, cancers with more aggressive growth patterns, cancers recurring following previous treatment, incompletely removed cancers, or cancers involving important cosmetic and functional areas such as the face.
Mohs surgery and reconstruction is a same day procedure performed in a day hospital setting and covered by most medical aids.
Dr de Wet offers Mohs surgery to suitable candidates at the Summerhill Surgical Centre in Somerset West. He is part of the Skinmatters Mohs and Reconstructive Unit.
