MOHS Surgery
The Most Effective Skin Cancer Treatment
Mohs surgery is considered to be the most effective method used to treat the most common type of skin cancer – basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The cure rates are also significantly higher with the Mohs procedure, up to 98%.
It is a precise surgical technique in which thin layers of cancer-containing tissues. The process is then repeated until only cancer-free tissues are left.
This technique aims to remove as much skin cancer as possible without damaging the healthy tissue. With this procedure, we can be sure that all cancer cells are removed during the surgery and therefore. This is efficient for our patients and for us because it reduces their need for additional surgery.
If you have skin cancer and are considering the best treatments available, our team of skilled professionals would be happy to guide you through the process of Mohs surgery.
The Procedure
Mohs micrographic surgery, or Mohs surgery, is a special technique that combines pathology and surgery to remove skin cancers. The tissue containing the tumor is first frozen on a cryostat and after, thin slices of tissue are cut from the bottom layers of the tumor. The tissue is then laced on a glass slide and stained and we will then examine these slices under a microscope. This procedure is repeated until skin cancer is no longer visible.
We will examine the area to be treated on the day of the surgery and prepare you for the procedure. Most patients remain awake during this process, therefore, anesthesia is not required. An anesthetic is usually injected to numb the area that will be treated.
In order for us to effectively remove the entire malignancy, we use a tumor map that shows us the sites where any residual cancer cells may be located. The Mohs procedure includes an examination of the entire tumor’s margins to determine the sites of skin cancer involvement.
The tissue is then removed at those sites until no additional cancer cells are detected. Every layer of skin removed is referred to as a “level” and in certain cases, additional levels may be removed to ensure that no cancer cells remain.
Advantages of Mohs
A High Cure Rate
There are many advantages of the Mohs procedure compared to other treatments, and the greatest one is a high cure rate. Our surgeons here at Mira Vista Surgical Dermatology are able to see where cancer stops during the surgery and thus, prevent additional procedures.
One of the greatest advantages of this procedure is that it provides precise results as the surgeon is able to examine 100% of tumor margins. The Mohs procedure does not damage the healthy surrounding tissue and leaves a very small scar that is scarcely visible. Furthermore, it is also an efficient and cost-effective procedure, as it requires no anesthesia.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
The Mohs procedure is the most effective surgery for treating skin cancer. This technique can also be used to treat cancerous cells in sensitive areas, such as around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, etc.
This procedure is recommended for patients with recurring skin cancer, as well as for treating large cancer cells that are growing rapidly.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The procedure normally takes several hours, although we advise you to reserve the whole day for the treatment. It’s possible that additional time may be needed to remove all the skin cancer cells, and it’s best to plan ahead.
First, we will cleanse the area to be treated before we start the procedure. Next, we’ll inject an anesthetic in order to make the area numb, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the process. We’ll then move forward to perform the procedure.
Once the Mohs procedure is completed and all cancer cells are removed, we’ll discuss with you the best options for repairing the wound – the follow-up care options we’ll provide you will depend on the extent of your procedure.
Possible options include letting the wound heal on its own, or using stitches to close the wound. Depending on your case, we may consider shifting skin from an adjacent area in order to cover the wound or use a skin graft from elsewhere on the body.
MOHS SURGERY RESULTS:
Even though the procedure has a high cure rate, a certain risk of cancer recurrence is possible. Many patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancer are faced with the possibility that cancer will return, compared with individuals who have never been diagnosed with cancer.
About half of the patients who have had some of the most common types of cancer developed another form of skin cancer in the following years after the treatment. In order to be able to monitor any new changes on your skin, we will schedule follow-up meetings because regular skin exams are necessary for your safety and health.
During the consultation, we will explain everything you need to know about the Mohs procedure, so we can determine whether it is a good option for you. Feel free to call us today to schedule an appointment regarding your skin cancer treatment and speak to one of our caring professionals.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Our team of healthcare professionals at Mira Vista Surgical Dermatology in Fort Worth, TX is trained in performing a variety of most-advanced treatments. We are dedicated to your health and comfort as we aim to provide the best service. If you have any health concerns you wish to discuss with us, contact us today to schedule an appointment.