As skin cancer diagnoses continue to rise, our goal at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee continues to be providing the most effective treatments for removing skin cancer for all our patients in the greater Chicago area. One of those treatments is Mohs surgery, the most effective skin cancer treatment available, which has been used for decades to cure various forms of skin cancer.
5 Benefits of Mohs Surgery
1. Treatment Results in Minimal Scarring
Mohs surgery removes skin tissue layer by layer to eliminate cancerous tissue. This reduces the risk of eliminating healthy skin tissue in the process, which helps in preventing scars.
How big or noticeable a scar may be is directly dependent upon the size of any tumors and the amount of tissue that must be removed. The Mohs technique ensures that only affected skin tissue is removed.
2. No Anesthesia Is Necessary
Receiving this treatment is not much different from getting work done by the dentist. There is no need to be “put to sleep” with general anesthesia, rather local injections are made near the affected area or areas, and you are awake and pain-free the whole time.
Mohs is a great option for anyone who may not be a good candidate for other general anesthesia surgeries and treatments available, such as the elderly.
3. Convenient Out-Patient Surgery
All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. There is no need to go to or stay at the hospital for any amount of time. You will be treated in a relaxed office setting inside our facility and receive your results the same day.
4. Precise and Accurate Treatment
The technique in removing skin layer by layer allows our doctors to be thorough and precise in removing tumors and infected tissue. Each layer is examined under a microscope to ensure that margins are clear in even the smallest amounts of tissue.
This safeguards against removing healthy tissue and provides certainty that all cancerous tissues are eliminated.
5. Mohs Is Effective
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Mohs has a cure rate of approximately 99% for first-time skin cancer treatments and up to 94% for skin cancers recurring after a past treatment.
This is because the microscopic examination and single-layer technique allow for such precision and accuracy that we see such phenomenal cure rates. Furthermore, since Mohs is so effective, patients do not require additional treatments.
How Does It Work?
Mohs is a specific, in-office procedure used to remove and examine cancerous tissues. The process involves removing the tissue one layer at a time. Not only does this method ensure complete cancer removal, but it also prevents any unnecessary loss of healthy tissue which helps to minimize scarring.
The skin layers are then analyzed under a microscope. Cancer can be removed, processed, and examined all during your visit while you wait, and you can get an “all clear” report before leaving.
This surgery is long established as effective, developed originally in 1938 by Frederic Mohs, M.D., and stands today as the most effective treatment option for skin cancer available. With the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatment options and the lowest amount of scarring, getting Mohs is a good decision you can feel confident about.
What Kind of Skin Cancer Does It Treat?
Mohs can be used to treat all forms of skin cancer and is highly effective for all forms especially when the cancer is detected early. This surgery is a common choice for those wishing to treat cancers of the head, neck, face, hands, and legs.
When you call our offices, we’ll address any concerns you may have and help you decide if Mohs is an option for you. There are three major types of skin cancer. Each can be treated by a doctor when it is detected early.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or cancer, is the most common form of skin cancer. Treatment is very effective when done early. Generally, basal-cell cancer does not spread to other areas of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell is the second most common form of skin cancer. If it goes undetected long enough it is capable of spreading to other areas of the body, such as lymph glands.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer there is, Melanoma is still treatable with Mohs however early detection is a must. It’s important if you have any concerns to have them checked out immediately.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection
You can help prevent skin cancer by using sunblock, wearing a hat, and limiting extended exposure to direct sunlight. It is also a good idea to schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist to check for early warning signs of skin cancer, so if there is anything detected it can be treated right away.
Where Can I Make an Appointment?
We have offices all over the suburbs for your convenience. Our offices are located in:
- Elgin
- South Elgin
- West Dundee
- Carpentersville
- Algonquin
- Lake in the Hills
- Huntly
- St. Charles
- Geneva
If you’re facing skin cancer diagnoses, you don’t want to hesitate on consultation and treatment options. Contact Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee today to speak with us about all our available treatment options, or to schedule an appointment for Mohs surgery and once again live your life skin cancer-free.