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Mohs surgery…does the name ring a bell? No? That’s okay!
Most people are unfamiliar with the procedure until they delve into the sea of skin cancer. “Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself with as much information as possible regarding treatments, outcomes, and your future,” explains Dr. Jennifer Vickers, a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology – Bee Cave & Lakeway in Austin, Texas. Mohs micrographic surgery is a procedure that was developed in the late 1930s and is considered to be the most effective technique in treating the most common types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). If Mohs surgery is a treatment that has been recommended for your skin cancer, we’ve compiled the top 4 reasons why it may be the very best option for you.
Mohs surgery is done in stages until all visualized cancerous cells are removed. “This means that when you leave the office, that you can feel confident that all of the cancer in the treated area has been removed,” assures Dr. Vickers. Mohs surgery provides the highest cure rates and lowest recurrence rates of the available treatment options.
“After the skin cancer is surgically removed, it is processed and examined under a microscope (while you wait) to assess if any cancerous cells remain,” states Dr. Vickers. If so, your surgeon will continue the procedure until no cancerous cells are visible under a microscope. This is all done in-office and on-site during a single visit.
With Mohs surgery, your surgeon is able to examine 100% of your tumor, ensuring no area is left unchecked. “One of the most important and exciting parts of the Mohs procedure is that it spares healthy tissue and minimizes scarring by targeting only cancerous areas,” says Dr. Vickers.
Mohs surgery is recommended mainly for high-risk, non-melanoma skin cancers found on various parts of the body. Large cancers and cancers on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet and genitals are examples of good candidates for the treatment.
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For more information on Mohs surgery please visit the Sanova Dermatology location closest to you. Contact us at Sanova Dermatology for all your skin concerns or to make an appointment today!