Mohs Surgery: The Most Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery (Mohs or MMS) is a specialized treatment for both common and rare types of skin cancer. It is most often performed on the head, neck, hands and lower legs to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Mohs is considered tissue-sparing, which means that the surgeon will only take what they need to in order to remove the cancer. This is done by taking small pieces of skin at a time (called layers). The surgeon also acts as the pathologist and will review each layer under the microscope in real time to determine if any cancer is still present. This “check as you go” process ensures that all cancer cells are removed while saving as much normal skin as possible. Some patient’s skin cancer is removed completely in the first layer, but others need additional layers to remove the cancer completely.
Mohs has the highest cure rate of any type of skin cancer treatment, up to 99%. This is because the surgeon can check the full peripheral and deep margin to ensure that no cancer is left behind. Once the skin cancer is fully removed, the surgeon will discuss healing options with you. Often, stitches are placed but some areas can heal in on their own. The surgeon will help make the best determination for your skin healing once the skin cancer is completely out.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery at Midtown Dermatology?
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High Cure Rates: Mohs surgery the highest cure rates for skin cancer. It is very unlikely for your skin cancer to come back after Mohs surgery.
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Tissue Preservation: The “check as you go” approach minimizes damage to healthy tissue, making it an ideal choice for delicate areas like the face or areas without much extra skin like the lower leg.
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Expertise: Dr. Jacqueline Guidry completed additional training in Mohs Surgery and is board certified in both Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery ensuring the highest level of expertise for your treatment.
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Compassionate Care: We understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be stressful. It is often very worrisome for people to have a surgical procedure, particularly on their face, and we focus on making the experience as pleasant and supportive as possible.
What to Expect During Your Visit(s)
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Consultation (optional): Dr. Guidry is happy to see patients for a face-to-face consultation before the day of surgery. This option gives you the most time to discuss treatment options and ask any questions you may have. If you have a large skin cancer or it is in an especially sensitive location (like the nose), you may be asked to come for a consultation to have a more lengthy discussion about repair options prior to the surgery day.
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Procedure: On the day of your procedure, you will meet Dr. Guidry, talk through the procedure and identify the surgical site. The site is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the day. Dr. Guidry will then perform the Mohs surgery carefully removing layers of tissue until all cancer cells are removed. After your skin cancer is removed, you and Dr. Guidry will discuss options for healing and make the best plan based off your skin. Surgical reconstruction or repair of the site where the skin cancer was removed is almost always performed the same day.
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Healing and Follow-Up: Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to support your healing process. If stitches are placed, we will usually need to see you 7-14 days after surgery for suture removal. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Contact Us Today
Your health and well-being are our top priorities at Midtown Dermatology. It's important to note that not all skin cancer cases require Mohs surgery. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the type, size, location of the lesion, and the patient's overall health. If you or a loved one requires Mohs surgery, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team at Midtown Dermatology are here to guide you through the process offering expert care and compassionate support.