When is a Mohs surgeon recommended?
Mohs surgeons can provide one of the most effective treatments for most types of skin cancer. The majority of Mohs patients have a common type of skin cancer,such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery is highly recommended when skin cancer is:
- Aggressive or large
- Appears in an area with little tissue beneath it
- Has been treated and has returned
- Mohs is also used to treat some rare skin cancers
- Mohs is only used to treat an early melanoma that is close to the surface of the skin
Many physicians may perform Mohs surgery, but board certification is not required. However, if you are interested in treatment of your skin cancer through Mohs surgery, it is important that you choose a qualified doctor. The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) was founded by Dr. Frederic Mohs, and ACMSfellowship training requiresmonths of extensive, hands-on direction,assuring that you will receive the highest standard of competency, as well as an optimal outcome.
Extensive experience
To complete an ACMS-approved fellowship, a physician must participate in a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases. This is believed to be the only way they can learn to accurately interpret slides of tissue samples that have been removed during Mohs surgery. They also are required to perform a wide breadth of reconstructions that range from simple closures to complicated repairs. By the time these doctors finish their training, they have gained a breadth of exposure, under the guidance of a qualified Mohs surgeon.
What happens during Mohs surgery?
On the day of the surgery, your Mohs surgeon will examine the area to be treated. You will be prepped for surgery and given an injection that numbs the area that will be operated on. You will be awake during the surgery. The surgeon removes a thin layer of surrounding skin and you are bandaged so that you can wait comfortably. The Mohs surgeon looks at the removed skin under a microscope while you wait. If cancer cells are found, she or he will remove another layer of skin. This process continues until the surgeon no longer sees cancer cells. Your surgeon will decide how to treat your wound to minimize the scar and help the area heal. Some patients require a skin graft or other type of surgery.
Mohs surgeon in south Charlotte
Residents in or near the South Charlotte NC area can experience full-service dermatology, including medical, surgical, cosmetic and Mohs micrographic surgery at Metrolina dermatology. Dr. Sasha Haberle and her staff offers customized care for the specific treatment of patients of all ages and skin conditions. Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including medical, cosmetic, and surgical care. She is a Board-Certified dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. Call the friendly staff at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule appointment. They welcome new patients and will help you develop a medical dermatology treatment plan for your skin conditions.
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