What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized treatment for the removal of skin cancer in certain situations. This state-of-the-art treatment is usually performed on skin cancers that are large, that are recurrent and have not been effectively treated with conventional methods, or for skin cancers on the head, neck, and face, where loss of healthy skin should be minimized.
The physician is both the surgeon and the pathologist and received extra training to obtain this skill set. This unique approach offers the highest cure rate and is up to 99% effective in removing many types of skin cancer. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia.
Considering Mohs Surgery?
Primarily used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs is also be used to treat less common tumors. Mohs surgery is usually recommended when:
The cancer is large or has undefined edges
A previously treated cancer recurs- The cancer grows rapidly or uncontrollably
- Scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer
CAUSES
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. This DNA damage is most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds.
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can get skin cancer, even those who have skin of color. Most people who get skin cancer, however, have lighter skin. People who are more likely to get skin cancer:
- Excessive time spent in the sun
- Use tanning beds or sun lamps
- Resided in an area that gets intense sunlight, such as Florida, the Caribbean, or northern Australia.
Any length of exposure, even if it occurred years ago or was short, increases your risk.
There are also some general characteristics which may increase a person’s risk for getting skin cancer, which include:
- A person’s skin type and the moles on one’s skin
- Family history of skin cancer
- Medical history
- Exposure to chemicals
- Tobacco
SYMPTOMS
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin. And the most common change is something growing on your skin. This growth can appear on the skin in many ways.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose skin cancer, a dermatologist looks at the skin. A dermatologist will carefully examine growths, moles, and dry patches.
To get a better look, a dermatologist may use a device called a dermatoscope. The device shines light on the skin. It magnifies the skin. This helps the dermatologist to see pigment and structures in the skin.
If a dermatologist finds something that looks like skin cancer, the dermatologist will take a sample of all or part of the suspicious skin. and the sampled skin will be sent to a lab where it can be examined under a microscope. A biopsy should not cause anxiety. The discomfort and risks are minimal.
FAQs
How effective is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any known skin cancer treatment: 99 percent overall, and 95 percent for recurrent cases. It allows the best cosmetic outcome and preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue. Effective for many types of skin cancer, Mohs is most frequently used to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
How is Mohs Surgery performed?
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical procedure used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue, one layer at a time, and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
How long does it take?
The removal of each layer of tissue is brief, requiring approximately 15-20 minutes. The processing and microscopic analysis of each layer of tissue requires approximately one to two hours. Most skin cancers are removed in one to two layers. A Mohs surgical case usually begins in the morning and is completed in several hours.
What is the healing process like?
The best method of managing the wound resulting from surgery is determined after the cancer is completely removed. When the final defect is known, management is individualized to achieve the best results and to preserve functional capabilities and maximize aesthetics.
A small wound may be allowed to heal on its own, or the wound may be closed with stitches, a skin graft or a flap. If a tumor is larger than initially anticipated, another surgical specialist with special skills may complete the reconstruction.
Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group
Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic services in the Knoxville area.