The Benefits of Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery and chemosurgery is a type of microscopically-controlled surgery that is employed to treat cancer of the skin. Mohs surgery is capable of providing a complete removal of the skin cancer, and is administered by a skilled dermatologist or surgeon in a medical setting.
When is Mohs Surgery Used
In situations where the cancer is likely to recur, or in cases where the cancer is quickly growing, Mohs surgery is an attractive option. Mohs micrographic surgery is recommended when the skin cancer is likely to spread to other areas of the body, or when the cancer is present in a child patient. This procedure makes it possible for the surgeon to examine each individual layer of skin in search of cancer cells because the layers are removed one by one. Until the cancer has been removed completely, the physician will continue removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer, looking at each layer closely in search of cancer.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
The greatest benefit of this form of skin cancer surgery is the cure rate. Mohs surgery offers the highest successful cure rate for patients that are suffering from several specific forms of cancer of the skin. This includes Squamous cell carcinoma. Other cancers that Mohs micrographic surgery is recommended for include malignant melanoma, dermatofirosarcoma protuberans, lentigo maligna, merkel cell tumor, malignant trichoepithelioma, dermatofirosarcoma protuberans, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, angiosarcoma, atypical fibroxanthoma and some other types of cancerous tumors. The most common types of cancers that the Mohs procedure is recommended for are basal cell carcinomas and Squamous cell carcinomas.
Mohs surgery is meant to preserve as much of the healthy skin and healthy tissue as is possible during the procedure. This skin preservation is especially beneficial in situations where the surgery is being performed on an area of cosmetic importance, such as on the face or the neck. Mohs micrographic surgery is capable of preserving as much of the healthy surrounding skin as is possible while providing the highest possible cure rate for several types of skin cancer.
Speak to your dermatologist to determine what skin cancer treatment is right for you. Mohs micrographic surgery is ideal for cancerous cell removal in many situations, but your dermatologist can make recommendations based on your unique situation.
