Mohs Surgery: Your Precise Path to Skin Cancer Removal
Conquering Skin Cancer with Microsurgical Precision:
Mohs surgery, a revolutionary technique developed in 1938 by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, stands as the gold standard for treating various forms of skin cancer. This rigorous procedure involves the meticulous removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer, with each layer frozen and examined under a microscope to ensure complete removal of all cancerous cells.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Removal?
Unparalleled Accuracy
Mohs surgery boasts the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments, exceeding 99% for most types. This exceptional success rate stems from the meticulous examination of each tissue layer, ensuring complete removal of cancerous cells and minimizing the risk of recurrence.
Preserving Healthy Tissue
Unlike traditional excision techniques that remove a wider margin of healthy tissue, Mohs surgery utilizes a narrow margin, preserving more healthy skin and minimizing scarring. This approach is particularly beneficial for treating cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, ears, and hands.
Minimally Invasive
Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, allowing most patients to return home the same day. This minimizes the need for hospitalization and promotes a faster recovery.
Versatile Treatment
Mohs surgery effectively treats a wide range of skin cancers, including Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and even rare forms of skin cancer.
The Mohs Surgery Process, A Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Initial Examination
A board-certified dermatologist or advanced practice providers will diagnose skin cancer and determine if Mohs surgery is the appropriate treatment option.
2. Local Anesthesia
The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3. Tissue Removal
The surgeon precisely removes thin layers of tissue with a scalpel.
4. Frozen Section Analysis
Each tissue layer is immediately frozen and examined under a microscope to identify cancerous cells.
5. Targeted Removal
Based on the microscopic analysis, the surgeon determines the precise location of remaining cancer cells and removes them with minimal additional tissue.
6. Reconstruction
Once all cancerous cells have been removed, the surgeon carefully reconstructs the affected area, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Choosing the Right Path:
Mohs surgery provides a safe, effective, and precise solution for treating skin cancer. If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer, consulting with a dermatology provider to discuss whether Mohs surgery is the right choice for you is crucial.
Additional Resources:
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: https://www.asds.net/
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Association: https://www.mohscollege.org/
American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/
