What is a Mohs surgeon?
Have you heard of a Mohs surgeon? It is a fairly common term in the world of dermatology. But who exactly is this type of specialist, and what do they do?
A Mohs surgeon is simply a medical doctor of dermatology who is specially trained to perform a specific type of surgery called Mohs surgery. The procedure is named after the doctor who pioneered it, Frederic E. Mohs.
Mohs surgery is unique in that it is a very delicate and time consuming procedure. Mohs surgery is designed to remove dangerous or diseased tissue (for example, a skin cancer lesion) while minimizing the impact to the surrounding healthy tissue. This “tissue sparing” approach minimizes scarring and healing time required. This is especially vital for surgeries in delicate areas, such as on the face.
A Mohs surgeon will remove tissue from the affected area layer by layer. Each layer of tissue will then be inspected under a microscope to determine if the margins are clear of abnormalities. If they are not, the surgeon will remove another layer. This precise (and often, lengthy) procedure has a high rate of success while benefiting the patient by minimizing the invasiveness of the surgery.
When should I see a Mohs surgeon?
You might assume that you wouldn’t need to think about identifying or visiting a Mohs surgeon unless you had a specific and immediate need for this specific surgery. In some ways, this would be true. Mohs surgery is typically only performed after a patient has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
However, you may be more likely to need a Mohs surgeon than you think. More than 20% of Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. If this happens to you, it can be a confusing and scary time. Typically your provider will refer you to a mohs surgeon after a biopsy has been performed in their office.
Your complete Charlotte NC area dermatology practice
At Metrolina Dermatology, you can see a regular dermatologist who is also a trained Mohs surgeon. This can be a great benefit if you, like 1 in 5 Americans, develop skin cancer at some point in your life.
South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberleis recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including medical, surgical, andcosmetic treatments. You can visit Metrolina for your annual skin check up, as well as any other skin concerns up to and including skin cancer surgery. Contact the team at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule your initial consultation.
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