Skin cancer is a dangerous disease causing abnormal growth of skin cells that affects millions of people in the United States each year. While there are several different treatment options for skin cancer, Mohs surgery is one of the most popular and effective options. There are a few limitations with Mohs surgery, so not everyone with skin cancer will be a good candidate to receive this treatment option.
Mohs surgery uses a precise surgical technique to remove thin layers of skin cells containing cancer. The surgeon uses the microscope to examine the issue and make a map of the cancer cells present in the specimen. This process is repeated until the cancer cells are completely removed. Mohs surgery is a very precise and delicate procedure which allows large sections of skin cancer cells to be removed without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery is primarily used to treat the two most common forms of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma as well as a variety of other skin cancer subtypes. If you are suffering from melanoma or another form of rare skin cancer, then you will need a consultation before determining if you are a good candidate for Mohs surgery. In addition to the type of skin cancer you have, there are also several other qualifying criteria that make you a good candidate for Mohs surgery.
Mohs surgery is the best option if your cancer has a high risk of returning or if it has already returned after getting treatment. The cancer cells must also be located in sensitive areas, such as the eyes, ears, mouth, head, feet, hands and nose. Skin cancer cells that are large, aggressive and contain borders that are hard to define are also best treated with Mohs surgery.
Despite being an extremely technical procedure, Mohs surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You will feel minimal discomfort. You will know your results immediately after the surgery is complete, so you will not have to stress for weeks to get the results. Since there are strict criteria for getting Mohs surgery, the procedure is almost always successful at removing all of the skin cancer cells in your body.
If you believe that you might be a good candidate for Mohs surgery, then you should schedule a consultation with Torrey Pines Dermatology & Laser Center in La Jolla as soon as possible. There is no reason to live with this when it can be so easily treated with this procedure. The sooner you schedule your Mohs surgery appointment, the sooner you will be able to get back to your normal life without cancer. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment to learn more about how Mohs surgery can benefit you.
