With a success rate of 99 percent, Mohs surgery is a very popular option for patients with melanomas and other skin cancers. Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, the procedure has undergone some minor changes and refinements to be molded into a highly effective cancer fighting tool. The procedure removes cancer cells with minimal scarring and is highly effective. Here is a look at why.
Once and Done with Mohs Surgery?
When cancer cells are extracted, the tissue removed from the body is sent to a lab. In the lab, the edges of the removed matter are examined under a microscope for cancer cells. If none are found, the margins are said to be clear and patient and doctor can both be assured all of the cancer has been removed. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes days for lab results to come back. If the margins aren’t clear and still contain cancer cells, a second procedure may be necessary. Mohs surgery prevents this by checking the margins during the surgery.
Minimally Invasive Skin Cancer Treatment in Orange County
During Mohs surgery, a dye is used that reacts to cancer cells making them easier to see. This takes the guesswork out of finding the cancer cells. The certified dermatologist can see them and know exactly where they end and how deep they are. This allows him to slowly remove slices of tissue layer by layer, checking the margins as he goes. As a result, much less healthy tissue is removed.
Minimal Scarring
Although a scar is a small price to pay for being cancer free, skin cancer often occurs on the face where scars can be difficult to live with. The scarring caused by Mohs surgery is minimal and usually fades over time, becoming virtually invisible. In the meantime, makeup can be used to easily hide any visible scarring if necessary. Scarring is of grave concern to many patients, and this procedure encourages treatment among those who may otherwise hesitate.
Safety Measure in Place
The ability to keep surgical wounds as small as possible helps to prevent infection and reduce healing times. This makes Mohs surgery a safer option than other types of surgery. In a study conducted by the Cutaneous Oncology Research Cooperative, only 2.6 percent of patients had minor complications after Mohs surgery and none had major or life threatening problems. No other surgery studied has ever proven that safe.
Want to learn more about the amazing effectiveness of Mohs surgery for treating skin cancer? Contact the OC Skin Institute today.