The team at Georgia Dermatology Partners provides a wide range of patient services, including skin cancer screenings and removal. A popular removal method is Mohs micrographic surgery, a specific and unique extraction option that may be right for some of our patients diagnosed with skin cancer. But when should traditional excision be chosen over Mohs micrographic surgery? Which is best? First, let’s better understand the procedure to decide if it is right for you!
What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
Our team describes Mohs micrographic surgery as a specialized type of skin cancer treatment that can remove certain types of skin cancer. A dermatologist performs this procedure at Georgia Dermatology Partners, which involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer. The layers of tissue are then examined under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. If there are any remaining cancer cells, another layer of tissue will be removed and examined until all the cancer cells have been removed. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer, and it has a high success rate in preventing cancer from recurring.
When should I consider Mohs micrographic surgery instead of traditional skin cancer excision?
There are several factors that may contribute to your decision to choose Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) over traditional skin cancer excision.
- Mohs micrographic surgery is often recommended for larger skin cancers or those that have recurred after previous treatment.
- Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended if the skin cancer is located in a difficult-to-treat area, such as the face or hands.
- Our doctors may recommend Mohs micrographic surgery if you have a history of skin cancer or are at high risk for redeveloping skin cancer after initial removal.
Learn more about your skin cancer treatment options with the providers at Georgia Dermatology Partners
Ultimately, the decision to choose Mohs micrographic surgery over traditional skin cancer excision should be made between you and your doctor based on your case. If you are interested in finding out more about your options for the removal of skin cancer, call Georgia Dermatology Partners today at 770-972-4845 to request a consultation visit with our team at any one of our four convenient locations in Brookhaven, Braselton, Shellville, and Loganville, GA.