Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting millions of people every year. It happens when skin cells start to grow in ways they should not. While hearing about skin cancer can be scary, there are treatments that work well.
Let us learn more about the most widely used and trusted treatment – Mohs surgery. We will explain why it is often the best choice for patients and doctors.
What Is the Most Common Treatment for Skin Cancer
If you have been wondering, “What is the most common treatment for skin cancer?” The answer is Mohs micrographic surgery. This highly specialized surgical technique is designed to treat various types of skin cancer. This includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain cases of melanoma.
The goal of Mohs surgery is simple but impactful. It removes cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Understanding Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s and has since become a gold standard in skin cancer treatment. This procedure stands out because it is meticulous and precise.
During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue layer by layer. They examine each layer under a microscope. This continues until no more cancer cells are detected. Such precision minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which is vital when treating sensitive areas. This includes the face, hands, or near vital structures like the eyes and nose.
How Does Mohs Surgery Work
Here is how Mohs surgery works.
Step 1: Preoperative Preparation
Your Mohs surgery begins with a consultation with your surgeon. They will review your medical history, assess the affected area, and explain the procedure. On the day of surgery, the area will be numbed to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process.
Step 2: Layer-by-Layer Tissue Removal
Your surgeon will remove a thin layer of cancer-affected skin tissue. Then, they will take it to a lab immediately. The tissue is immediately examined under a microscope for remaining cancer cells.
Step 3: Examination of Edges
If cancer cells remain, the surgeon will map out the exact location of these cells. Then, they remove another thin layer of tissue from the precise area where they persist. This meticulous process repeats until no more cancer cells are found, ensuring complete removal of the cancer.
Step 4: Wound Reconstruction
Once all cancerous cells are removed, the surgeon will assess the wound to determine the best reconstruction method. Small wounds may heal naturally, while larger wounds might require stitches or a skin graft.
Why Is Mohs Surgery the Preferred Choice
Mohs surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer due to its numerous advantages.
High Cure Rates
Mohs surgery boasts a success rate of up to 99 percent. This is for primary basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. For recurrent cases, the cure rate remains remarkably high, around 94 percent. These statistics make Mohs surgery one of the most effective treatments available.
Tissue Preservation
Mohs surgery preserves as much healthy skin as possible. This makes it beneficial for cancers located in visible or delicate areas.
Quick Results
One of the strengths of Mohs surgery is that it provides immediate results. Since each tissue layer is examined on the same day, patients know the extent of their cancer removal right away.
Minimized Recurrence
Ensuring all cancer cells are removed significantly reduces the likelihood of the cancer coming back. This makes Mohs surgery an excellent long-term solution for skin cancer treatment.
Precision in Sensitive Areas
Mohs surgery is highly recommended for cancers in areas where preserving function and appearance is crucial. For instance, cancers near the eyelids, lips, or ears require precision that Mohs surgery can deliver.
Who Performs Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery must be conducted by a highly trained specialist. They undergo extensive training to perform the surgery and examine tissue samples.
At the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, our board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. T.J. Giuffrida, brings many years of experience to provide patients with top-tier care.
Additional Treatment Options
While Mohs surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer, it is not the only available option. Other treatments may include the following methods, depending on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer:
- Excisional Surgery: Excisional surgery involves cutting out the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin.
- Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. It is typically used for superficial skin cancers or precancerous conditions.
- Topical Medications: Certain skin cancers can be treated with prescription creams that stimulate the immune system or destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be recommended for patients who cannot undergo surgery. It can also help with cancers in areas where surgery is not feasible.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A light-sensitive drug is applied to the skin and then activated with light to destroy the cancer cells.
These treatments are effective for specific cases. However, they may not provide the same precision and high cure rates that Mohs surgery offers.
Skin Cancer Treatment in Miami, FL
Treating skin cancer requires expertise, precision, and compassion. Mohs surgery has proven time and again to be the most effective treatment option for many patients. It offers high cure rates and excellent cosmetic outcomes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it is crucial to seek top-quality care.
At the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, Dr. T.J. Giuffrida specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery. With years of training and expertise, Dr. Giuffrida is dedicated to providing patients with outstanding care. He will ensure every procedure is as effective and comfortable as possible. Call us today at (305) 461-2000 or schedule a consultation using our appointment request form. Trust your skin to the experts who care.
We look forward to serving you!
