Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is an advanced surgical procedure for the removal of skin cancer. It is designed to successfully treat particularly challenging types of skin cancer, such as those located on the face, as well as cancers that have recurred after previous treatment. It offers the highest cure rate available of any treatment available today. Dr. Steven Marcet, our Mohs surgeon, has completed an intensive fellowship training through the American College of Mohs surgery in order to deliver the highest quality care. While others may claim to be Mohs surgeons, only those who have completed a fellowship certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery [www.mohscollege.org] have undergone this rigorous additional training in surgery, pathology, and reconstructive surgery after cancer removal. There is no substitute for this subspecialty training, and Newnan Dermatology is proud that our surgeon is fully certified.
Using Mohs surgery, the physician can remove the skin cancer while sparing as much healthy skin as possible. By preserving normal skin, Mohs surgery results in smaller scars. The cancer is removed one layer at a time. The Mohs technique allows immediate processing of the tissue, while the patient waits in the office. This allows the surgeon to see exactly where the cancer is located, with the aid of a microscope. If there is any additional cancer, the physician can remove more tissue only in the exact area where the tumor persists. This allows for the maximum preservation of normal skin while ensuring that no cancer is left behind.
The cure rate with Mohs surgery has been documented in numerous studies at 99%. This minimizes the ability of cancer returning along with decreasing the chances of significant scarring. Mohs surgery is also the treatment of choice for skin cancers that have reoccurred following other treatments.
The surgery is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting using local anesthesia. The patient is NOT put to sleep. The removal of the cancer and reconstruction are almost always performed all on the same day. The Mohs surgeon has been trained in reconstruction of skin cancers thus allowing the wound to be repaired in a cosmetically acceptable fashion. This can be performed by simple closure with sutures, or using advanced techniques including flaps, or grafts for more challenging repairs.
Numerous studies have shown that Mohs surgery is very cost effective compared to other treatments. It is less expensive than radiation therapy or surgery performed in a hospital or surgery center. Mohs surgery reduces the risk of the skin cancer returning thus avoiding more costly advanced surgery. The result is that the patient can be confident in getting the highest cure rate, best cosmetic outcome, and most cost-effective treatment for his or her skin.
View frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning Mohs Surgeries
