Mohs Surgery- skin cancer treatment
Getting a diagnosis of skin cancer, or even just a skin abnormality, can be scary. In these cases, there are several methods of treatment that can be recommended. These include:
- Topical applications: Creams or lotions that attack the abnormal area
- Excision: a traditional surgery to remove the cancer or abnormal cells
- Radiation therapy
- Mohs surgery: a special type of tissue-sparing surgery that is used to remove abnormal skin conditions
Your dermatologist will determine what the best course of treatment is. The decision will vary depending on the type of cancer or abnormality, the location of the affected tissue, and several other factors.
About Mohs surgery
It is common for Mohs surgery to be the treatment of choice for basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas- two of the most common and milder forms of skin cancer. Because Mohs surgery is tissue sparing (removes as little tissue as possible), it is frequently recommended for use in areas where there are aesthetic concerns- for example, on the face.
The procedure is done in stages. The surgeon removes the tissue in layers and examines it in an on-site lab. If the margins of the removed tissue sample are not clear, the surgeon can pinpoint the exact area that requires further removal. This is repeated until all of the abnormal tissue is removed. The result- as much healthy tissue as possible is spared. This reduces scarring.
Depending on the amount of tissue removed and the location of the surgery, the process may finish with wound closing or reconstruction from a plastic surgeon. In other cases, the same dermatologist who performed the tissue removal will close the wound.
What to know before you go
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure usually performed right in your dermatologist’s office. You will likely receive topical anesthetic before the procedure.
Bear in mind that it is difficult to give an accurate time estimate for Mohs surgery, because it may require several reviews of the tissue and additional layers sampled. Prepare to be at the office for at least several hours, and consider bringing a drink, snack, and book to help pass the time while waiting for lab results.
Your Charlotte NC Mohs Surgeon– Metrolina Dermatology and Dr. Sasha Haberle
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, or if you think you are at risk of the disease, you will want to make sure that you get the best possible treatment from experts in the field. In the Charlotte NC area, consider contacting the experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology.
South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her team are well recognized as experts in all fields of dermatology, including medical, cosmetic, and surgical skin care.Mohs surgery is a core competency of the practice. Make your appointment today at Metrolina Dermatology and learn more about skin cancer, Mohs surgery, and appropriate dermatological care.
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