More than 9,500 people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every day. When caught early, chances of survival are 99% within the first five years of diagnosis for even the most aggressive melanomas. Skin cancer affects most individuals that are fair-skinned, have red or blonde hair, and spend lots of unprotected time in the sun.
Keep reading to discover why Mohs surgery is the most effective cure for skin cancer.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, is the most effective treatment for basal and squamous cell skin cancer. It carries a nearly 99% cure rate among patients who have had no prior treatments and a 94% cure rate among those who have. The technique was established by Dr. Frederic Mohs and then popularised by Dr. Perry Robins.
Mohs surgery is not usually performed for melanomas because melanomas have a tendency to spread aggressively. Some doctors, however, have used the Mohs technique as a treatment. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancer. Because of their slow growth, this kind of skin cancer usually affects those in their older age.
Your doctor may recommend Mohs if:
What Happens During Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is performed in outpatient facilities. During Mohs surgery, your dermatologist will remove a portion of visible cancerous tissue with a scalpel as well as a thin layer of skin just below it. Then they will examine it in an onsite lab to determine if all of the cancer was removed. After examination, the process may be repeated until the cancer is completely gone.
Depending on the depth and location of the cancerous tissue, the procedure can take a few hours to the entire day. The technique is also well known for the lack of scarring it leaves behind. Your doctor may let the wound heal on its own, stitch it closed, use a skin graft to cover the incision or consult a plastic surgeon. You'll need to follow up with your doctor to ensure the wound is healing and the tumor hasn't regrown.
Most dermatologists are trained to perform Mohs surgery in medical school. Some enter a fellowship specifically for Mohs surgery training. Consult with your primary care physician to find a qualifying dermatologist. The person you choose should be patient and attentive to your concerns. When detected early, skin cancer treatments have the most success at curing. Consult your doctor today if you have any new growths or skin irregularities.
Share23 July 2020
We are all covered in skin. It plays a number of roles in our body, helping to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It keeps our organs in place, and it even eliminates waste. But like any other organ, your skin can develop a number of health issues as time goes on. Maybe you develop acne, or perhaps you become affected by psoriasis or eczema. Dermatologists are there to help. This blog is all about doctors who specialize in dermatology, the work they do, and how they can help you get the skin you've always desired.
