Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) stands out as a specialized surgical technique tailored specifically for the treatment of skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, this precise method has evolved to become a gold standard in dermatology, especially for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. MMS is renowned for its unique process that combines the immediate and complete removal of cancerous cells with the preservation of as much healthy tissue as possible.
What is Mohs Surgery?
This highly specialized and precise method treats skin cancer by sequentially removing and examining thin layers of cancerous tissue. The process continues until all layers are verified to be free of cancer cells, ensuring thorough elimination.
By focusing solely on cancerous cells, it preserves more healthy tissue, crucial for aesthetic and functional outcomes in visible areas. It boasts high cure rates—nearly 99% for untreated basal and squamous cell carcinomas, improving both cosmetic outcomes and tissue preservation.
This technique not only aids physical recovery but also improves psychological well-being by maintaining the patient’s appearance.
Key Benefits
- High Cure Rates: Mohs surgery provides patients with a 99% cure rate for skin cancer that has not been treated before, and a 94% cure rate for cancer that has recurred. These rates are among the highest of all treatments for skin cancer.
- Tissue-Sparing Technique: Unlike traditional methods that often remove a substantial margin of healthy tissue along with the tumour, Mohs surgery targets only cancerous cells. This approach not only preserves healthy skin but also minimizes scarring, making it ideal for cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
- Immediate Results: The in-situ microscopic analysis of the tissue allows for immediate results. This means patients leave the surgery knowing all cancerous cells have been removed, avoiding the anxiety and delays associated with waiting for lab results.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the cancer in a single visit and reducing the need for additional treatments or corrective surgeries, Mohs surgery is cost-effective in the long term despite its upfront costs.
- Local Anesthesia: Performed under local anesthesia, Mohs surgery offers safety advantages over procedures requiring general anesthesia. It also allows for quicker recovery times, with most patients resuming their normal activities within a day.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for You?
Mohs surgery excels in preserving cosmetic appearance in sensitive areas like eyes, nose, lips, and ears. It’s ideal for recurring, large, or poorly defined tumours.
Patients who choose Mohs surgery are usually those looking for a definitive and conservative treatment. It is especially suitable for those with skin cancers in highly visible areas, where minimal scarring is a priority. Moreover, the technique’s effectiveness in treating aggressive or recurrent cancers makes it a compelling option for many patients.
Mohs surgery offers high success, minimal tissue loss, and immediate peace of mind for skin cancer patients. Considering your options? Mohs promises effective cancer removal and superior cosmetic results. Discussing Mohs with a Rejuvenation Dermatology specialist could be a crucial step in your recovery journey.
