ADVANTAGES OF MOHS SURGERY

Some skin cancers can be deceptively large and far more extensive under the skin then they appear to be from the surface. These skin cancers may have roots in the skin, or along blood vessels, nerves, or cartilage. Skin cancers that have recurred following previous treatment may send out extensions deep under the scar tissue that has formed at the side as well. Mohs surgery is specifically designed to remove these cancers by tracking and removing these cancerous roots in their entirety.

Other forms of skin cancer removal cannot predict precisely how much skin needs to be removed and wide safety margins are utilized. Studies have shown that between 180-350% excess tissue is removed with traditional surgical excision of skin cancers when compared to Mohs surgery. Therefore, Mohs surgery results in the highest cure with the most healthy tissue conserved. The patient should bear in mind that Mohs surgery removes only the cancerous tissue, while the normal healthy tissue is spared, in most cases resulting in a smaller scar.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

We encourge you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you might have about a particular condition and the proper treatments. Come in or give us a call to set up a consultation to discuss the treatment process.

INDICATIONS

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is most frequently used to treat basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, but is also ideal to treat less common skin tumors. Mohs surgery is always indicated when:

  • The cancer was treated previously and recurred.
  • Scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer
  • The cancer is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result, such as the face, eyelids, nose, ears, lips, fingers and toes
  • The cancer is large
  • The edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined
  • The cancer is growing rapidly or uncontrollably
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