Skin Cancer Overview

Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Treatment of the Skin

Skin cancer is a disease that affects men and women of all ages. It can occur in a variety of ways. More than 1.4 million cases of skin cancer is diagnosed every year are a direct result of exposure to the sun. One does not necessarily have to sunbathe in order to contract this malady. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Fortunately, most cases can be cured with early detection. However, skin cancers that occur in high risk areas such as around the eyes, ears, nose and lips, or which recurred after previous treatment are more effectively treated using Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

The Mohs Surgical Technique

Mohs Surgery is a method for treating skin cancer by removing the diseased area with continuous microscopic control. They keys to the technique are:

Serial excision of a tumor using strict anatomical orientation.
Examination of tissue using a microscope.
Mapping the exact location of the residual tumor.

This type of treatment helps the specialist have histologic control enabling the physician to determine if the tumor is completely removed after the surgery has been performed.

The Mohs Surgical Procedure

Not all tumors grow as perfect spheres. There are several different modes of tumor growth that are best treated using the Mohs technique. What is visible on the surface of the skin may be only the tip of the tumor that exists underneath.

There are different types of skin cancer.

A Basal Cell skin cancer is a common type of skin cancer. If you have a growth that looks like this, you should have it evaluated to determine if it is in fact a Basal Cell skin cancer.

A Squamous Cell skin cancer is another common type of skin cancer. If you have a growth that looks like this, you should have it evaluated to determine if it is in fact a Squamous Cell skin cancer.

Melanoma is another type of skin cancer. If you have a lesion that looks like this, you should be evaluated to determine if it is in fact a melanoma.

Advantages of using the Mohs Technique

This form of treatment has the highest cure rate of any type of existing procedure.
The maximal preservation of skin tissue is enhanced.
This technique has the lowest functional and cosmetic morbidity of any procedure.
It is cost effective compared to other surgical options.
ONE DAY OUTPATIENT SURGERY using local anesthesia.

The Skin Care Center is a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center dedicated to the treatment of skin cancer.