Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a procedure used to treat skin cancer. It is a surprisingly old technique that was originally developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs. It is most commonly used on basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as melanoma. Here at Dundee Dermatology, we are proud to offer this solution to our patients and invite you to learn more about it.
What Does Mohs Surgery Involve?
In Mohs surgery, the surgeon will remove the visible part of a tumor or cancer along with a margin of seemingly healthy tissue. The tissue will be taken to the laboratory, separated into sections, and analyzes. The surgeon will be looking for cancer cells beyond the tumor. If any are found, the surgeon will return to the patient and remove another layer of tissue for examination. The process will repeat until all the cancer has been found and removed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is the procedure of choice for many BBCs and SCCs. It is particularly effective against cancers in places that have little surrounding tissue, like the nose, ear, foot, or hand. Mohs surgery enables the doctor to remove less healthy tissue than conventional removal does. Many doctors thus prefer performing Mohs surgery to treat carcinomas on the face for it causes less scarring. Mohs surgery is also a good choice if the patient has a large and/or aggressive carcinoma with an indistinct border. It is also recommended for patients who have a cancer that has either recurred or might recur.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
The various skin cancers all have different signs that a dermatologist or doctor who specializes in skin disease will look for. For example, signs of a possible basal cell carcinoma include the following:
• A white or yellow patch with an indistinct border that resembles a scar
• An open sore that won’t heal but bleeds or oozes for several weeks
• A pink growth with an indented center and a raised border
• A patch of reddish and raised skin that may itch or develop a crust but is usually painless
• A shiny bump that might be translucent, red, pink, or pearly white.
Contact Us Today to Find Out More!
If you have any questions about Mohs surgery, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Dundee Dermatology! At our convenient location in West Dundee, IL, our caring and knowledgeable team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!