Mohs Surgery
WHEN IS MOHS RECOMMENDED?
If you have any type of suspicious skin lesion you should seek evaluation by a dermatologist. If skin cancer is suspected, he or she may recommend and perform a biopsy. Mohs surgery may be recommended based on the type and location of the skin cancer, as well as other factors. This procedure is performed at our office by Dr Stephen Nervi, Dermatologic Surgeon and Fellow Member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY?
The Mohs procedure is widely considered the most effective treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the treatment process, 100 percent of the margins of the growth are examined. At the same time, healthy tissue is spared. Mohs has the highest cure rate among all skin cancer treatments, up to 99 percent for new skin cancers. It’s cure rate for recurrent skin cancers is up to 94 percent.
What Are The Advantages Of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
The biggest advantages of Mohs micrographic surgery are related to the accuracy of this procedure. In the standard excisional process of removing skin cancer, you’ve got a doctor removing the tissue and a pathologist examining it. These two professionals are in separate facilities, and there is a time-lapse between removal, examination, and interpretation. In that model, there is more room for error and miscommunication. Mohs micrographic surgery offers advantages including:
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- More healthy tissue preservation than surgical excision
- Confirmation of the elimination of cancer cells in the surgical site during the same appointment (no waiting for results!)
- Treatment is performed in the office using a local anesthetic for a pain-free experience
- Recovery time may be shortened