23 Feb Mohs Surgery, A Highly Effective Skin Cancer Treatment

Dr. Quinn is pleased to offer Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a highly specialized and precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer.  Mohs surgery is particularly effective for treating skin cancers with a high risk of recurrence or located in sensitive areas, such as the face. The Mohs surgical technique was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s.

The key feature of Mohs surgery is its meticulous microscopic examination of the removed tissue during the procedure, which allows for immediate analysis of the margins and ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

Here’s a general overview of what to expect with Mohs surgery:

Local Anesthesia: The area around the skin cancer is numbed with local anesthesia.

Tissue Removal: The visible tumor is surgically removed along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue.

Mapping and Laboratory Analysis: The dermatologist or surgeon will divide the removed tissue into sections, creating a map, followed by examining the margins under a microscope. If cancer cells are found at the edges, the surgeon identifies the precise location.

Additional Tissue Removal (if needed): Based on the microscopic examination, additional layers of tissue may be removed from specific areas where cancer cells were detected, while sparing healthy tissue.

Closure: Once the cancer is completely removed, the surgeon may choose to close the wound with stitches or other appropriate methods.

While Mohs surgery has several advantages, including a high cure rate, minimal removal of healthy tissue, and the ability to address complex or large tumors, it may not be suitable for all cases.  The solution for treatment skin cancers depends on various factors, including the type and location.

The ideal candidate for Mohs surgery typically has one or more of the following characteristics:

Skin Cancer Type: Mohs surgery is most commonly used for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These types of skin cancer, especially when they are large, have indistinct borders, or have recurred after previous treatment, are often well-suited for Mohs surgery.

Location of the Skin Cancer: Mohs surgical technique is highly effective for skin cancers located in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial, such as the face, ears, nose, eyelids, lips, hands, feet, and genitals. Tumors in these cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas benefit from the precise removal of cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.

Tumor Characteristics: Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial when dealing with tumors with ill-defined borders, aggressive features, or a high risk of recurrence. The ability to assess the entire tumor margin during the procedure allows for the precise removal of cancerous cells.

Previous Treatment Failure: If a skin cancer has recurred after previous treatments, Mohs surgery may be recommended to ensure complete removal of the cancerous cells, especially if the tumor has complex features or a history of challenging management.

Large Tumors: Mohs surgery is effective for treating larger tumors, as the procedure allows for a systematic examination of the entire tumor margin, ensuring that all cancer cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Patient Preferences and Health Conditions: Mohs surgical technique may be preferable for patients who prioritize minimal scarring, preservation of healthy tissue, and the highest likelihood of a cure. It is often well-tolerated by individuals with certain health conditions or those who may not be suitable candidates for other surgical methods.

Finally, factors such as the patient’s overall health, the type and stage of the skin cancer, and the surgeon’s expertise also play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.  To learn more about Mohs surgery or to get a consultation, give Dr. Quinn a call.  He’ll assess your individual circumstances so you can make an informed decision about the optimal treatment for your particular case.