Question By: When facing the prospect of skin cancer treatment, it's essential to explore various surgical techniques available. Two common procedures are Mohs surgery and traditional excision. While both approaches are used to remove skin cancer, they differ significantly in their methodologies and outcomes. Delve into the details of Mohs surgery and compare it to traditional excision procedures to understand their respective advantages, limitations, and applications.
1. Understanding Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a precise and highly effective technique primarily used for treating skin cancers with high recurrence rates, located in sensitive areas, or with undefined borders. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this specialized procedure aims to spare healthy tissue while ensuring the complete removal of cancerous cells. The process involves the following steps:
Surgical Removal: The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
Tissue Mapping: The excised tissue is divided into sections and meticulously labeled with a map.
Laboratory Analysis: The surgeon examines the tissue sections under a microscope to determine if any cancer cells remain at the edges of the removed tissue.
Repeat if Necessary: If cancer cells are found, the surgeon returns to the affected area and removes another layer of tissue from the specific region identified during the analysis.
Closure: After ensuring complete tumor removal, the surgeon may either suture the wound or perform reconstructive surgery, depending on the size and location of the excised area.
2. Advantages of Mohs Surgery
Highest Cure Rates: Mohs surgery boasts the highest cure rates, reaching up to 99%, making it ideal for aggressive and recurring skin cancers.
Tissue Preservation: By removing only cancerous tissue, healthy tissue is spared, resulting in smaller wounds and better cosmetic outcomes.
Real-time Analysis: Immediate microscopic examination allows for precise tumor identification, reducing the need for additional surgeries.
Suitable for Complex Cases: Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for skin cancers located in critical areas, such as the face, where tissue preservation is crucial for functional and aesthetic reasons.
3. Traditional Excision Procedures
Traditional excision involves removing the visible tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue in one step. Unlike Mohs surgery, there is no real-time tissue analysis. The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination after the procedure, which may result in the need for further surgeries if cancer cells are found at the edges (positive margins).
4. Key Differences
Success Rates: Mohs surgery has higher cure rates compared to traditional excision, especially for aggressive and high-risk skin cancers.
Tissue Preservation: Mohs surgery spares more healthy tissue than traditional excision, resulting in smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.
Real-time Analysis: The real-time microscopic examination during Mohs surgery allows for immediate and precise cancer identification, reducing the likelihood of needing additional surgeries.
Suitability: Mohs surgery is particularly suitable for large, recurrent, or complex skin cancers and those located in sensitive areas.
At Laser Surgery USA, their experts specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, a precise and effective technique for treating skin cancer. With a passion for patient care and cutting-edge technology, their surgeons deliver exceptional results, ensuring your skin health is in the best hands possible.
For more details, visit https://www.lasersurgeryusa.com/procedure/mohs-surgery/
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