The skin is not only the largest but also one of the most vital organs in the body. Our skin acts as the gateway to our body, protecting our vital inner organs from the outside threats like bacteria and other invaders, while also regulating our body’s temperature through the process of perspiration, and much more. While the sun is known to provide us with certain vital vitamins and nutrients, it can also be a detriment, along with other outside factors it can cause skin cancer. At Bayside Dermatology, we offer patients a thorough and careful skin cancer screening and treatment process.
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), also known as Mohs surgery or Mohs microsurgery, is a precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It is named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, who developed the technique in the 1930s.
The goal of MMS is to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. This is achieved through the use of a specialized technique that involves the sequential removal of thin layers of tissue, which are then immediately examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. The process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected, at which point the wound is closed.
What Does Mohs Surgery Treat?
Mohs Surgery or MMS is commonly used to treat skin cancers that are difficult to remove with traditional surgical methods or have a high risk of recurrence. This includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain types of melanoma. MMS is considered to be one of the most effective methods of skin cancer treatment, with a five-year cure rate for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of over 95%.
Mohs Surgery Procedure
The procedure typically begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the cancerous tissue. Your dermatologist then removes a thin layer of tissue, which is immediately examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, they will then remove another thin layer of tissue and the process is repeated until no cancer cells are found. The process is repeated until the entire cancer is removed.
Advantages of Mohs Surgery
One of the biggest advantages of Mohs surgery is its overall precision and the fact that it aids in the removal of cancerous tissue, minimizing the need for additional surgeries or treatments. Because the tissue is examined under a microscope immediately after it is removed, there is no need to wait for pathology results, which can speed up the treatment process.
After the cancerous tissue has been completely removed, the wound is closed. Depending on the size and location of the wound, this may be done through simple suturing or a skin graft may be needed.
For more information on Mohs surgery and other treatments, be sure to contact Bayside Dermatology today.
