Karen J. Sundby, M.D. (formerly Karen J. Johnson, M.D.), a native of Denver, Colorado, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She received her medical doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Medicine where she graduated in the top 5% of her class and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. 

Dr. Sundby completed an internal medicine internship at the University of Colorado, then completed her dermatology residency at the University of Colorado where she served as chief resident. She then completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at Shadyside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the directorship of Drs. John A. Zitelli and David G. Brodland.

Dr. Sundby is board certified in dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. She is also a member of the Colorado Medical Society, the Denver Medical Society, and the Colorado Dermatologic Society.

Karen J. Sundby, M.D. is a specialist both in dermatology and pathology. With her extensive knowledge of the skin and unique pathological skills, she is able to remove only diseased tissue, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing the cosmetic impact of the surgery. Dr. Sundby is fellowship trained by a program recognized and approved by the American College of Mohs Surgery.

The American College of Mohs Surgery currently recognizes more than 50 training centers where qualified applicants receive comprehensive training in Mohs surgery. The minimum training period is one year during which the dermatologist acquires extensive experience in all aspects of Mohs surgery, pathology and training in reconstructive surgery.

Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery – even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. This procedure is state-of-the-art treatment in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. It relies on the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots. This technique allows dermatologists trained in Mohs surgery to see beyond the visible disease and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

As the process evolved, surgeons refined the technique and now excise the tumor, remove stages of tissue which are color coded, mapped, frozen, sectioned, and immediately examined with the microscope by the physician. The chemosurgical technique developed by Dr. Mohs is no longer used. 

This reduces the normal treatment time to one visit and allows for immediate reconstruction of the wound. The heart of the procedure—the color-coded mapping of excised specimens and their thorough microscopic examination—remains the definitive and unique part of the Mohs surgical procedure.

Developed by Frederick E. Mohs, M.D. in the 1930s, the Mohs micrographic surgical procedure has been refined and perfected for more than half a century. Initially, Dr. Mohs removed tumors with a chemosurgical technique. Thin layers of chemically fixed tissue were excised for pathological examination. He developed a unique technique of color-coding excised specimens and created a mapping process to accurately identify the location of remaining cancerous cells.

As the process evolved, surgeons refined the technique and now excise the tumor, remove stages of tissue which are color coded, mapped, frozen, sectioned, and immediately examined with the microscope by the physician. The chemosurgical technique developed by Dr. Mohs is no longer used. 

This reduces the normal treatment time to one visit and allows for immediate reconstruction of the wound. The heart of the procedure—the color-coded mapping of excised specimens and their thorough microscopic examination—remains the definitive and unique part of the Mohs surgical procedure.

Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma but can be used to treat less common tumors. 

Mohs Surgery is indicated when:

• the cancer was treated previously and recurred
• scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer
• the cancer is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for functional and cosmetic results, such as eyelids, nose, ears, lips, cheeks, and forehead
• the cancer is large
• the edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined
• the cancer grows rapidly or uncontrollably

Clinical studies have shown that Mohs micrographic surgery has a five-year cure rate up to 99% in the treatment of skin cancer. By using detailed mapping techniques and complete microscopic control, Dr. Sundby can pinpoint areas involved with cancer that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, even the smallest microscopic roots of cancer can be removed. The results are: (1) the removal of as little normal skin as possible, and (2) the highest possibility for curing the cancer. Using Mohs surgery, the percentage of cure is more than 99% for most skin cancers, even when other forms of treatment have failed. Other methods of treatment offer only a 50% chance of success if previous treatments have failed.

Visit Surgery Information for more information or reference our brochure.

Usually one return visit is all that is needed to examine the healed surgical site or to remove your surgical dressings. Afterwards, you may return to your referring dermatologist for routine check-ups. 

A follow-up period for the treated skin cancer is essential. 

After having one skin cancer, statistics show you have a higher chance of developing a second skin cancer. You should have your skin checked by your referring dermatologist at least once a year not only to examine the treated skin cancer, but also to check for new skin cancers. 

Please be sure to bring your current insurance card and photo identification with you each visit. We will need to keep a copy in your records. You can check your insurance coverage by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card to check participation status for Karen J. Sundby, M.D. 

You will be asked on the day of your appointment to pay for any services not covered by your insurance. Expenses not covered include deductible, co-insurance, co-pay amounts, occasionally office visits, and cosmetic procedures. Payments may be made by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).

If prior authorization or referral is required, please contact your insurance company or your primary care physician at least one week prior to your appointment. 

Let them know the following: You are having Mohs surgery performed in an office setting under procedure Code 17311 or 17313.

We would not want anyone to be denied medical care because of an inability to pay. If you have difficulties understanding or paying your bill, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with our billing staff.

We do accept Care Credit, a health care credit card. Please visit their website for more information at carecredit.com.

Our office is located at:

ROSE MEDICAL CENTER
Rose Founders Building
4700 Hale Parkway, Suite 140

• Insurance card 
• Photo ID 
• Payment Method (cash, check, Discover, Visa, Mastercard) 
• Medication list (dosage and schedule frequency) 
• Snack, lunch, drink 
• Sweater (can be chilly in the office)
• Reading material
• Items to occupy your time

If you require supplemental oxygen, please bring enough to accommodate an entire day in the office.

If you have any questions regarding Mohs Surgery, Dr. Sundby, or our procedures and practices, please feel free to contact our office at 303-388-8807.

Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Yes! It covers a lot of helpful information and may answer many of your questions. You can download our brochure here.

If you must change an appointment, please call us as soon as possible at (303) 388-8807. 

This courtesy allows us to schedule another patient for medical care. A rescheduling fee may be assessed for appointments changed three days or less prior to surgery.