Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and while receiving a cancer diagnosis can be scary, there are a variety of treatments available to you to help get you on the mend. One of our most reliable treatments is called Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Mohs’ has the highest cure rate, leaves a very subtle scar, and patients can be cancer-free in one session.
What is Mohs’ Skin Cancer Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a skin cancer treatment typically used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The procedure is done all in one visit, separated into several stages in which the surgeon removes a small layer of cells and has them examined for cancerous cells. This allows the surgeon to know exactly where the cancerous cells are and to be able to spare as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mohs surgery has the highest skin cancer cure rate and leaves the smallest possible scar.
What is getting the surgery like?
You’ll head into the dermatologist’s office, likely early in the morning. The procedure will be done outpatient, in a surgery suite, where you will receive a local anesthetic at the site of the tumor. It will last several hours, carried out in stages, with the surgeon excising a small layer each time, with a wait in between for lab results to be examined.
This lab examination is the most time-consuming part of the procedure, so between waits, your incision will be dressed, and you’ll wait in our special Mohs’ waiting room, where you’ll have refreshments and entertainment ready.
After the cancer is excised, we’ll discuss options for wound closure and follow-up visits.
What is the difference between Mohs’ and traditional surgery?
The main difference between micrographic surgery and other methods of removing skin lesions is microscopic control. In a word, Mohs’ surgery is precise. This provides the opportunity for a more cosmetically appealing result, especially when skin cancer presents on the face.
What are the other benefits of Mohs’ surgery?
Aside from the minimal scarring, Mohs’ offers the convenience and relief of a one-day cure. Most patients are completely cured in only one session. This makes the procedure cost-effective as well; in the case of a recurring lesion, you’ll need fewer return visits than with other treatments.
In some cases. a great option for this SRT-100 Superficial Radiotherapy. Some difficult to treat areas (scalp, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, fingers, legs) do especially well with SRT, and patients avoid the potential scarring and morbidity associated with surgical excision. Importantly, for patients with underlying medical conditions or those on certain medications (blood thinners, cardiac) SRT offers a gentle treatment alternative.
Talk to your dermatologist about how to prevent skin cancer, and if you discover a change in your skin that you’re unfamiliar with, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away. At City Derm, we have the kind of skilled professionals who will provide you with customized and compassionate treatment. Call us today to make an appointment.