In 1938, a general surgeon, Frederic E. Mohs, developed microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery has a cure rate of between 97% and 99.8% for primary basal-cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is also known as Mohs micrographic surgery.
The goal of Mohs surgery is to
remove as much of the skin cancer as possible while doing minimal damage to
surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis
using a local anesthetic. Mohs surgery is used to treat the most common skin
cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as some
kinds of melanoma and other more unusual skin cancers.
Mohs surgery is especially useful
for skin cancers that have a high risk of recurrence or that have recurred
after previous treatment; are located in areas where you want to preserve as
much healthy tissue as possible, such as around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth,
hands, feet and genitals; have borders that are hard to define; and are large
or aggressive
In most cases, the procedure lasts a
few hours. Since it can be difficult to tell how extensive a skin tumor is just
by looking at its surface, doctors often advise reserving the whole day for the
procedure. To prepare you for surgery, your surgeon or a nurse cleanses the
area to be operated on, outlines it with a special pen and injects the area
with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic numbs the skin, so you won't feel any
discomfort during the procedure.
One of the advantages of Mohs
surgery is that you know your results right away, and you usually don't leave
your appointment until all of the skin cancer has been removed. You may have a
follow-up visit with your surgeon or referring doctor to monitor your recovery
to make sure your wound is healing properly.
People who have been diagnosed with
skin cancer have an increased risk of developing skin cancer again, compared
with people who have never had skin cancer. As many as half the people
diagnosed with the most common types of skin cancer will develop another skin
cancer again within five years.
Plan to undergo regular follow-up
visits with your dermatologist or family doctor to spot any new skin cancer. How
often you'll undergo follow-up skin exams depends on your diagnosis. Expect to
have skin exams at least once or twice a year, and more often if your cancer
was aggressive or is more likely to recur.
“Melanoma
represents 5% of skin cancer cases, but 74% of skin cancer deaths. Mohs surgery
cures up to 99% of Melanoma cases.” (Anonymous)[i]
[i] Sources used:
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“Mohs surgery” by Mayo Clinic Staff
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