Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery: The Gold Standard for Skin Cancer Treatmen

Treatment at Skin Dermatology and Cosmetic Services

Mohs surgery is the leading treatment for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer. This advanced procedure can also be utilized for early-stage melanoma. Performed under local anesthesia, Mohs surgery involves the careful, layer-by-layer removal of cancerous skin. Each layer is examined microscopically in real-time to confirm the complete removal of cancer cells, ensuring that only healthy, cancer-free tissue remains.

At Skin Dermatology and Cosmetic Services, our Mohs surgeons are specially trained in cancer surgery, pathology, and reconstructive techniques, which enhances the success rates of skin cancer treatments. The precision of the Mohs approach boasts cure rates nearing 99%, making it the most effective choice for skin cancer management. Our surgeons focus not only on removing cancer but also on achieving the best possible cosmetic and functional outcomes, thereby minimizing scarring and preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

By opting for Mohs surgery at Skin Dermatology and Cosmetic Services, you’ll benefit from our dedicated team’s expertise and comprehensive care. We prioritize both the complete eradication of cancerous cells and the maintenance of your skin’s integrity and appearance.

Discover how Mohs surgery can effectively combat your skin cancer and restore your skin's health and vitality. Schedule an appointment with our expert team today and take the crucial first step towards a cancer-free life. Your skin health is our commitment, and we are here to guide you throughout your journey.

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What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a cutting-edge treatment for skin cancer, renowned for its exceptional cure rates—even in cases where the cancer has been treated previously. This innovative procedure combines the roles of surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive specialist in one, utilizing a microscope to ensure comprehensive removal of cancerous cells down to their roots.

Dermatologists trained in Mohs surgery can look beyond the visible signs of cancer to accurately identify and excise the entire tumor while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is particularly effective for addressing three of the most common skin cancers: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery boasts the highest cure rate among all skin cancer treatments, reaching up to 99% success—even when other therapies have failed. Its precision in tumor removal not only reduces the likelihood of cancer recurrence but also minimizes scarring and the risk of disfigurement. This makes Mohs surgery a preferred choice for patients seeking effective and cosmetic-friendly skin cancer treatment.

Mohs Surgery FAQs

Mohs surgery offers several key benefits due to its meticulous mapping techniques and microscopic precision. This allows the surgeon to detect cancerous cells that are often invisible to the naked eye, ensuring that even the smallest traces of cancer are removed. The advantages include:

Minimal Removal of Healthy Skin: The technique is designed to preserve as much normal tissue as possible.
High Cure Rates: Mohs surgery boasts the highest likelihood of completely eradicating skin cancer.

No, Mohs surgery is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting, allowing you to return home on the same day. Hospitalization is available if needed, but typically not required.

Your appointment will be scheduled early in the day. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to a surgical suite where the area around the skin cancer will be numbed. The visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue will be excised. This tissue is meticulously mapped and sent to an adjacent lab for immediate microscopic examination.

Procedure Duration: The surgical removal takes about 10-15 minutes, but processing and examining the tissue may take 1.5 to 2 hours. You may need to wait between stages as additional tissue layers are analyzed. Most cancers are typically removed in three stages or fewer.
Comfort: To make your visit as pleasant as possible, consider bringing reading material or a sweater. Magazines and beverages will be provided in the reception area. If your visit overlaps with meal times, a companion can fetch snacks from the cafeteria.

Yes, like any surgical procedure, Mohs surgery will leave a scar. However, because it aims to remove minimal normal tissue, scarring is generally reduced. After excising the cancer, the wound may be left to heal naturally, stitched, or reconstructed using a skin graft, depending on what provides the best cosmetic outcome.

Typically, you’ll need only one follow-up visit to check the healing site or remove dressings. Afterwards, routine check-ups with your referring physician are essential, especially since having one skin cancer increases the likelihood of developing another.

The best defense against skin cancer is to minimize exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even those who tan easily can be at risk. Sunlight can damage the genes that regulate cell growth and impair the immune system's ability to combat early cancers. Here are some preventive measures:

Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 whenever you are outdoors.
Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Stay Protected on Cloudy Days: UV rays can penetrate clouds, so protection is essential regardless of weather conditions.

By following these guidelines, you can continue to enjoy outdoor activities while safeguarding your skin health.