DR. GEORGE J. HRUZA, M.D.

CHESTERFIELD, MO

Research Active
Dermatology - MOHS-Micrographic Surgery NPI registered 21+ years 24 publications 1991 – 2025 NPI: 1013912906
Carcinoma, Squamous CellAntineoplastic AgentsMelanomaSkin NeoplasmsCost-Benefit AnalysisNeoplasm Recurrence, LocalLaser TherapyEvidence-Based MedicineBasal Cell CarcinomaDermatologyFacePatient SelectionSkin AgingMohs SurgeryCryotherapy

Practice Location

1001 CHESTERFIELD PKWY E
CHESTERFIELD, MO 63017-2041

Phone: (314) 878-3839

What does GEORGE HRUZA research?

Dr. Hruza studies various effective treatments for skin cancer, especially Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a precision technique that removes cancerous skin cells while preserving healthy tissue. He also explores advanced laser therapies for skin rejuvenation, which can reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality. His research includes the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, aiming to provide patients with options that minimize recovery time and maximize cosmetic results. Additionally, he addresses guidelines for the use of innovative medical technologies to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Key findings

  • In a study evaluating AI responses about Mohs micrographic surgery, 75% of expert surgeons found the AI-generated answers mostly accurate, though only one-third deemed them adequate for clinical use.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery demonstrated high cure rates and minimal tissue loss, making it a safe and cost-effective option for skin cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of skilled surgeons.
  • Laser-assisted drug delivery was shown to be safe and effective for conditions like actinic keratosis and keloids, with evidence from 54 studies supporting its use in adolescents and adults.
  • Research on squamous cell carcinoma treatments indicated that surgical methods, especially Mohs micrographic surgery, resulted in the highest cure rates and better cosmetic outcomes.
  • A technique called geometric staged excision for treating lentigo maligna resulted in only 1.7% of patients experiencing cancer recurrence after treatment over a follow-up period of more than two and a half years.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Hruza study skin cancer?
Yes, Dr. Hruza specializes in skin cancer treatments, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery, which is highly effective for various types of skin cancer.
What treatments has Dr. Hruza researched?
He has researched Mohs micrographic surgery, laser-assisted drug delivery, and various laser treatments for skin rejuvenation and cancer.
Is Dr. Hruza's work relevant to patients with basal cell carcinoma?
Yes, his studies on basal cell carcinoma highlight effective surgical options, including Mohs micrographic surgery, which offers high cure rates.
What advancements has Dr. Hruza made in laser treatments?
He has developed guidelines for laser-assisted drug delivery and studied various laser techniques for skin rejuvenation, showing significant improvements in skin texture and appearance.
How can I benefit from Dr. Hruza's research?
Patients can benefit from his research through access to safer, more effective skin cancer treatments and advanced cosmetic procedures that enhance skin quality.

Publications in plain English

Percutaneous Mesh Expansion for Closure of Surgical Defects on Legs.

2025

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Jiménez-Sánchez A, Olivares-Guerrero M, Hruza G, Khouri RK, Rodríguez-Jiménez P

PubMed

The utility of artificial intelligence platforms for patient-generated questions in Mohs micrographic surgery: a multi-national, blinded expert panel evaluation.

2024

International journal of dermatology

Lauck KC, Cho SW, DaCunha M, Wuennenberg J, Aasi S +15 more

Plain English
This study looked at how well artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT, can answer common questions from patients about Mohs micrographic surgery, a type of skin cancer treatment. Out of 15 surgeons who reviewed the AI-generated answers, 75% found them mostly accurate, but only about one-third were deemed adequate for use in clinical settings. This matters because while these AI tools can provide useful information, they may not always give enough detail that patients and doctors need during medical visits. Who this helps: This is beneficial for patients seeking information about their skin cancer treatment and doctors looking for reliable educational tools.

PubMed

Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

2023

Dermatologic clinics

Golda N, Hruza G

Plain English
This study examined Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), a highly effective method for treating skin cancer. It found that when performed by well-trained surgeons with careful techniques, MMS leads to high cure rates and minimizes tissue loss, making it a safe and cost-effective option for patients. This matter because it highlights the importance of skilled surgeons in achieving the best outcomes for skin cancer treatment. Who this helps: Patients with skin cancer.

PubMed

The Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus: Characterizing the inaugural decade of activity, 2013-2022.

2023

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Agarwal A, Kamat S, Chennareddy S, Hruza G, Singer PM

PubMed

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery.

2022

JAMA dermatology

Labadie JG, Ibrahim SA, Worley B, Kang BY, Rakita U +35 more

Plain English
The study focused on improving the use of laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) in medicine and cosmetic treatments by creating specific guidelines for its safe and effective application. Researchers reviewed 54 previous studies and found that LADD is generally safe for adults and adolescents over 12 years old, effective for conditions like actinic keratosis and keloids, and benefits from certain techniques like using heat for better drug absorption. These guidelines are important as they help ensure patients receive the best and safest care based on proven evidence. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving laser treatments and doctors using LADD in their practice.

PubMed

Xanthelasma Palpebrum Effectively Treated With the 1,450-nm Diode Laser Using Aggressive Settings.

2021

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Saco M, Hruza G

PubMed

Commentary on Hands-On Nail Surgery Workshop Leads to Sustained Improvement in Comfort With Nail Surgery by Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology.

2021

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Rubin AI, Hruza G

PubMed

Consensus for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment: basal cell carcinoma, including a cost analysis of treatment methods.

2015

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Kauvar AN, Cronin T, Roenigk R, Hruza G, Bennett R +1 more

Plain English
This study focused on the best ways to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer in the U.S., affecting about 2.8 million people each year. It found that surgical methods, especially Mohs micrographic surgery, offer the highest cure rates and are cost-effective, making them the preferred choice for high-risk cases and sensitive areas, while other nonsurgical options may have lower effectiveness. Understanding these treatment options is important for ensuring better outcomes for patients and minimizing the impact of the cancer on their lives. Who this helps: Patients with basal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Consensus for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Treatment, Part II: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Including a Cost Analysis of Treatment Methods.

2015

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Kauvar AN, Arpey CJ, Hruza G, Olbricht SM, Bennett R +1 more

Plain English
The research paper studied how to best treat cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common skin cancer in the U.S. with over 700,000 new cases each year. The findings showed that surgical treatments, especially Mohs micrographic surgery, are the most effective, with the highest cure rates and better cosmetic results, while nonsurgical treatments have lower cure rates. This is important because choosing the right treatment can affect both the health and appearance of patients. Who this helps: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with high-risk tumors.

PubMed

The Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication on Unintentional Injection of Soft-Tissue Filler Into Facial Blood Vessels: Important Points and Perspectives.

2015

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Jagdeo J, Hruza G

PubMed

Properly selected skin cancer treatments are very effective.

2014

The Journal of investigative dermatology

Rogers HW, Armbrecht E, Coldiron BM, Albertini J, McDonald M +5 more

PubMed

Abbreviations for device names: a proposed methodology with specific examples.

2013

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Alam M, Dover JS, , , Alam M +16 more

Plain English
This study focused on creating a standardized way to abbreviate the names of dermatology devices to avoid bias and confusion. The researchers proposed a system that assigns three-letter abbreviations to FDA-approved neurotoxins and fillers, helping make these names clear and concise for readers. This method matters because it improves communication in medical writings and helps ensure that the information is understood accurately. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and anyone involved in dermatologic research and treatment.

PubMed

Geometric staged excision for the treatment of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma: a long-term experience with literature review.

2012

Archives of dermatology

Abdelmalek M, Loosemore MP, Hurt MA, Hruza G

Plain English
This study focused on using a technique called geometric staged excision to treat lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). Researchers reviewed data from 293 cases and found that only 1.7% of patients had their cancer return after treatment, with a typical follow-up of over two and a half years. This method is effective because it allows for thorough examination of the surrounding tissue, ensuring complete removal of the cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with skin cancers like LM and LMM.

PubMed

Letter: Skin cancer treatment fee comparisons inaccurate.

2012

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Rogers HW, Coldiron BM, Dinehart SM, Hendi A, Hruza G +2 more

PubMed

Skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction using a fractional radiofrequency system.

2009

Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD

Hruza G, Taub AF, Collier SL, Mulholland SR

Plain English
This study looked at how effective a new skin treatment called fractional radiofrequency is at reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Researchers found that after the treatment, about 50% of participants showed more than 40% improvement in their skin, and 80% reported being happy with the results. The treatment was safe, caused minimal pain, and had little recovery time, making it a promising option for improving skin appearance without major side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking non-invasive options for skin rejuvenation.

PubMed

Hydrophilic polymers with potassium salt and microporous polysaccharides for use as hemostatic agents.

2007

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Ho J, Hruza G

Plain English
This study looked at two types of hemostatic agents—Urgent QR powder and Bleed-X—that help stop bleeding after surgery. Researchers found that using these products can reduce complications like hematomas and infections, which means patients had fewer follow-up visits and less need for additional medical interventions. For example, they noted that these agents could lead to fewer hospital visits and less bleeding time, improving recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery by reducing bleeding and related complications.

PubMed

Current lasers in skin resurfacing.

2005

Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America

Airan LE, Hruza G

Plain English
This paper looks at how different types of lasers can improve skin by reducing aging signs and damage from the sun and environment. It explains the history and science behind these lasers and discusses how they are used in treatments, highlighting their effectiveness in skin resurfacing. This matters because these advancements can lead to healthier and more youthful-looking skin for many people. Who this helps: Patients looking to improve their skin appearance.

PubMed

Multicenter study of the safety and efficacy of a 585 nm pulsed-dye laser for the nonablative treatment of facial rhytides.

2005

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]

Hsu TS, Zelickson B, Dover JS, Kilmer S, Burns J +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at how safe and effective a special laser is for reducing wrinkles on the face. Researchers used 58 volunteers and treated half of their faces with the laser while leaving the other half as a control. They found that after one treatment, there was a 10% improvement in skin texture, and after two treatments, it improved by 15%. This matters because it shows that the laser not only improves skin quality but also increases important skin proteins that help maintain a youthful appearance. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking non-surgical options to reduce facial wrinkles.

PubMed

Enhanced full-face skin rejuvenation using synchronous intense pulsed optical and conducted bipolar radiofrequency energy (ELOS): introducing selective radiophotothermolysis.

2005

Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD

Sadick NS, Alexiades-Armenakas M, Bitter P, Hruza G, Mulholland RS

Plain English
This study looked at a new skin treatment method called ELOS, which combines light and radiofrequency energy for skin rejuvenation. Over 108 patients underwent five full-face treatments every three weeks, resulting in a 75.3% improvement in overall skin quality, with specific reductions in wrinkles (average of 41.2% improvement) and skin discoloration (up to 79.3% improvement). With a high patient satisfaction rate of 92% and a low complication rate, this method shows promise for safe and effective skin enhancement. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking non-invasive solutions for skin improvement.

PubMed

Catching skin cancer early. New treatments aim to keep keratoses from developing into invasive cancer.

2002

Health news (Waltham, Mass.)

Hruza G

PubMed

Current lasers in skin resurfacing.

2002

Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America

Airan LE, Hruza G

Plain English
This study looked at the effectiveness of CO2 and Er:YAG lasers for improving skin appearance, especially for aging and sun-damaged skin. These lasers have become popular alternatives to older methods like dermabrasion and chemical peels, with many patients seeing great results. As laser technology advances, there are fewer side effects and complications associated with these treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking effective solutions for skin rejuvenation.

PubMed

Lasers in skin resurfacing.

2000

The Australasian journal of dermatology

Dover JS, Hruza G

Plain English
This paper looks at how laser skin resurfacing has changed how we make facial skin look younger and treat different types of scars, like pitted and raised ones. It explains how the procedure works, the various types of lasers used, and the possible side effects. Understanding these factors is important for improving treatment outcomes and ensuring patient safety. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking skin rejuvenation and scar treatment.

PubMed

COX-2 expression is induced by UVB exposure in human skin: implications for the development of skin cancer.

1998

Carcinogenesis

Buckman SY, Gresham A, Hale P, Hruza G, Anast J +2 more

Plain English
This study looked at how exposure to UV light can increase a specific protein called COX-2 in human skin, which is linked to the development of skin cancer. Researchers found that when skin cells were exposed to UVB light, COX-2 levels rose six times more than normal within 24 hours. This finding matters because it highlights a possible way that UV light contributes to skin cancer, suggesting that targeting COX-2 could help prevent or treat this type of cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for skin cancer and doctors looking for new treatment options.

PubMed

Power drills to fenestrate exposed bone to stimulate wound healing.

1991

The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology

Latenser J, Snow SN, Mohs FE, Weltman R, Hruza G

Plain English
This study looked at how using power drills on exposed bone can help speed up the healing process by promoting the growth of new tissue. The researchers found that creating small holes in the bone leads to necessary bleeding points that help new tissue form, making it a safe procedure with a high success rate and minimal complications. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who are at higher risk for anesthesia complications, as it can often be done without sedation. Who this helps: This helps patients who have exposed bone and are not ideal candidates for traditional surgeries.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

Murad Alam Jeffrey S Dover Brent R Moody Joel L Cohen Mitchel P Goldman E Victor Ross Arielle N B Kauvar Richard Bennett Howard W Rogers

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.