Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques have provided effective treatment options. One such option is Mohs surgery, a precise and highly effective method for removing certain types of skin cancer. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Mohs surgery is, how it works, and how it can help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, named after its inventor Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, is a specialized surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It is particularly effective for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of skin cancer. The procedure is also used for some melanomas and other less common skin cancers.
How Does Mohs Surgery Work?
The key to Mohs surgery’s success lies in its precision. The procedure involves several meticulous steps. First, the area around the skin cancer is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable. Then, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue containing the visible cancer, which is immediately processed and examined under a microscope. In the lab, the removed tissue is carefully examined to check for cancer cells at the margins. If cancer cells are found, the surgeon knows precisely where they are located. The surgeon then removes additional layers of tissue, one at a time, only from the areas where cancer cells were detected, continuing this process until no cancer cells remain. Once all cancerous tissue has been removed, the surgeon repairs the wound, which may involve simple sutures, a skin graft, or a flap, depending on the size and location of the defect.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
High Cure Rates
Mohs surgery boasts the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment. For primary basal cell carcinoma, the cure rate is approximately 99%, while for recurrent basal cell carcinoma, it is around 94%. The cure rates for squamous cell carcinoma are similarly impressive.
Immediate Results
Patients receive immediate results during the procedure, reducing the anxiety of waiting for lab reports. If additional tissue removal is necessary, it can be done right away, minimizing the need for follow-up surgeries.
Minimizes Scarring
By conserving healthy tissue and precisely targeting cancer cells, Mohs surgery often results in smaller scars compared to other surgical methods. This makes it a preferred option for treating skin cancers on visible areas like the face, neck, and hands.
Effective for Recurrent Cancers
Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for treating recurrent skin cancers or those with indistinct borders. Its meticulous layer-by-layer approach ensures that all cancerous cells are removed, even those that might be missed with traditional surgical techniques.
Who is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it is not necessary for all skin cancers. It is typically recommended for:
- Skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas (e.g., face, ears, hands, feet, genitals).
- Cancers with a high risk of recurrence.
- Large, aggressive, or fast-growing tumors.
- Skin cancers with poorly defined borders.
Find Out If Mohs Surgery Can Help
Mohs surgery is a remarkable advancement in the treatment of skin cancer, offering high cure rates, tissue conservation, and minimal scarring. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to discuss all available treatment options with your dermatologist. Mohs surgery may be the best choice to ensure the complete removal of cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
At Front Range Dermatology, our experienced team of dermatologists and Mohs surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for our patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Mohs surgery can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your fight against skin cancer.