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Mohs Micrographic Surgery has become a gold standard for removing skin cancer from the body with exceedingly high cure rates. However, it may not always be possible. There are certain situations where other treatment options for skin cancer treatment might be recommended.
“There are actually a number of ways to treat skin cancer,” explains Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon in Austin, Texas. “The goal is to match the appropriate therapeutic modality with the right patient.”
Most patients are good candidates for Mohs Surgery. The procedure is minimally invasive, is performed under local anesthetic and is generally associated with little discomfort or downtime. However, in specific circumstances, a patient might not be able to tolerate the procedure.
“A patient’s underlying health can sometimes interfere with a treatment plan,” explains Dr. Mamelak. “For example, if a patient has severe back pain and is unable to lie still in a procedure chair for the duration of the procedure, this can be a problem.”
As a skin cancer specialist, Dr. Mamelak uses a variety of management strategies to treat these patients and tumors that are amenable to Mohs surgery.
For superficial disease, certain topical chemotherapy agents and immune modifying treatments, such as 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod, respectively, can be used. Cold cryosurgery and curettage with electrodessication are older yet still effective destructive treatments that can be used with good success. Tradition surgical excision with margins can be performed but but could be similarly limited by the patients health status. Finally unresectable tumors can respond to radiation therapy or Erivedge.
It is important to consult with your physician to see if you are a candidate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery and receive the benefits of this procedure. At this time, share all necessary information so you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.