If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible to keep cancer from growing and spreading. Mohs micrographic surgery is a safe and effective method that removes many types of skin cancer, making it a great option for many. This state-of-the-art dermatology treatment has a high success rate and removes cancerous cells while keeping the surrounding tissue healthy and intact. Additionally, you’ll have less scarring so that you can look and feel your best every day.
Why Mohs?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the Mohs surgical procedure is most successful on squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers. These are two of the most common types of skin cancer. Fortunately, the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) says that this procedure has a nearly 99 percent success rate.
Who Is Mohs Best For?
If you think that you might be a candidate for Mohs micrographic surgery, know that there are many reasons to investigate further and talk to a professional. For instance, Mohs is a great option for skin cancers in areas you may be self-conscious of or that are exposed, such as the face, ears or fingers. Likewise, it is good for areas where the cancer is approximately one inch or larger on the body. If your cancer has borders that are not well-defined or it is a returning cancerous spot, Mohs is also a viable treatment option.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The Mohs method is very precise and has a high chance of removing all of the cancerous cells. The following overview of the procedure is helpful to prepare candidates.
Your dermatologist will first clean and numb the area to be treated and then begin to mark and map it. Once underway, the visible areas of the skin cancer will be removed first. Thin layers of tissue are then removed and checked under a microscope. If cancer cells are found, more tissue will be removed. This process continues until no more cancer cells can be seen, ensuring the total removal of the cancer.
Benefits of Mohs
Having Mohs surgery for your skin cancer guarantees a high chance that it won’t come back. Because the tissues samples are viewed under a microscope during the procedure, the dermatologist can remove all of the infected tissue without having to guess how deep down it goes or how far it spreads. This helps you to have better peace of mind and also reduces the chance that you might need additional surgery.
If you are looking for treatment options for skin cancer, consider Mohs surgery as a safe and effective treatment for your skin cancer. Consult our team of expert dermatologists at Georgia Dermatology Partners for a professional opinion of whether you qualify for this procedure. To schedule a consultation or appointment, contact us today.
