Mohs Surgery
At Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge solutions for skin cancer treatment as part of our comprehensive and compassionate dermatological care. Learn about Mohs surgery and how Valley can help.
Our expertise extends to Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced and highly effective technique tailored for treating basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the prevailing forms of skin cancer.
What Types of Skin Cancer Can Mohs Surgery Treat?
The precision and effectiveness of Mohs surgery works best for the two prevailing forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, usually appearing on areas exposed to the sun like the face, head and neck.
It tends to grow slowly and is generally considered less aggressive than other types.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also often occurs in sun-exposed areas and can develop from precursor skin lesions. While it is usually slow-growing, it has a higher potential to spread compared to basal cell carcinoma.
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Benefits of Mohs Surgery
At Valley Dermatology, we think Mohs micrographic surgery stands out as an excellent treatment option for skin cancer for several reasons:
It boasts exceptionally high cure rates, making it particularly effective for treating certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).
The procedure involves the systematic removal of cancerous cells layer by layer. Each layer is examined under a microscope in real-time, ensuring that all cancer cells are removed while minimizing the impact on healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery excels at preserving healthy tissue, minimizing scarring, and optimizing cosmetic outcomes. This is especially crucial for areas where preserving the natural appearance is essential, such as the face.
The surgery includes immediate on-site laboratory analysis, allowing us to verify the complete removal of cancer cells before the patient leaves the clinic. This real-time assessment contributes to the procedure’s precision.
Due to its meticulous nature, Surgery reduces the likelihood of cancer recurrence, providing patients with a higher level of confidence in the long-term success of the treatment.
The surgery is particularly well-suited for skin cancers located in anatomically sensitive or cosmetically significant areas where tissue preservation is crucial.
Typically performed in an outpatient setting, Mohs surgery allows patients to undergo the procedure and receive immediate results without the need for a hospital stay.
The surgery is often recommended for cases with complex or aggressive lesions, offering a comprehensive and thorough approach to skin cancer treatment.
What Happens During Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise and staged procedure designed to treat certain types of skin cancer while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during Mohs surgery:
- The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area around the skin cancer to ensure the patient’s comfort.
- The surgeon then removes the visible lesion along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is divided into sections, and the surgeon creates a detailed map that corresponds to the precise location of each section.
- Each section of the removed tissue is immediately frozen and examined under a microscope in an on-site laboratory. This real-time analysis allows the surgeon to assess whether any cancer cells remain at the margins of the removed tissue.
- If cancer cells are found at the edges (margins) of any section, the surgeon precisely maps the location and proceeds to remove an additional layer of tissue.
- Steps 3 and 4 are repeated as necessary until the analysis reveals that the margins are free of cancer cells.
- Once the surgeon confirms that all cancer cells have been removed, the wound is ready for closure.
- After the surgery, the patient is monitored for a period to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the surgical site and address any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Skin Cancer Can Mohs Surgery Address?
It is primarily used to treat two common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These are the most prevalent forms of skin cancer, and Mohs surgery is particularly effective in addressing them due to its precision and tissue-sparing capabilities.
Why is Mohs Surgery A Preferred Treatment Option?
Mohs surgery minimizes scarring and enhances natural appearance. In contrast to other treatments like standard excision and radiation therapy, Mohs surgery offers superior tissue preservation and remains a preferred choice for dermatologists in select cases, guided by factors like cancer type, size, and patient health.
Am I A Good Candidate For Mohs?
Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type of skin cancer, its location, size and your overall health. At Valley Dermatology, we carefully assess each case to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Why Choose Valley Dermatology for Mohs Surgery?
Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is dedicated to delivering the most comprehensive and compassionate dermatological care in the Pacific Northwest. Our mission is twofold: to offer top-notch medical services and to ensure the best possible experience for every patient. We prioritize attentive listening, answering questions, and addressing concerns before crafting personalized skin treatment plans.
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